Species Amur honeysuckle
clusters of white-yellow flowers with green stems, and dark green, elliptic leaves

Amur honeysuckle

Lonicera maackii

The Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) is a hardy deciduous shrub native to parts of East Asia. Reaching up to 4 meters tall, it is a vigorous climber with long arching stems and glossy oval leaves. In summer, the plant produces clusters of delicate bell-shaped white flowers that give way to bright red berries. The berries are not edible to humans, but provide an important food source for some wildlife. It's an ideal plant for both wildlife gardens and shrub borders with its attractive flowers and dramatic foliage. Its dense habit makes it an effective hedging plant, especially in sheltered areas.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

White aging to yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Fruits:

Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

watering

Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) should be watered regularly to keep the soil slightly moist. Water the plant deeply to encourage strong root growth. During the growing season, water the plant when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feels dry. During the first 2 weeks after planting, water more often if it does not rain. Reduce watering during winter months when the plants are dormant. When in doubt, it is better to underwater than to overwater.

sunlight

Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) thrives best when it is exposed to full sun throughout the day. This species prefers 6-8 hours of direct sunlight exposure each day. It is tolerant of partial shade, but will flower and produce fruit more abundantly when it receives more sun exposure. The plant enjoys the warmer months of spring and summer, and sunlight is an essential part of its growth.

pruning

Amur honeysuckle should be pruned in early spring, when it begins to grow and flower buds are visible. Pruning this plant should be done annually and should not be excessive. To promote healthy growth, lightly prune branches that become overgrown or clogged with vegetative foliage. Cutting back these branches will result in a fuller and more attractive plant. Keep in mind that cutting back branches too far can cause dieback or leave the plant vulnerable to disease. Seek out any dead or damaged branches and cut them off to encourage new growth. Finally, be sure not to prune more than ⅓ of the plant at any given time as this can cause serious damage to the honeysuckle.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Amur honeysuckle typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Lonicera maackii typically begins in late June and continues through August.

Hardiness Map