Species dwarf honeysuckle
clusters of small, deep red, glossy, rounded berries along deep brown stems, and green ovate-shaped leaves

dwarf honeysuckle

Lonicera xylosteum

Also Known As - shrub honeysuckle
Dwarf honeysuckle (Lonicera xylosteum) is a vigorous shrub native to the Europe, Asia, and parts of North America. Growing up to 3 feet tall, this fast-growing shrub produces clusters of creamy yellow flowers with yellow centers throughout the summer. The fragrant flowers are followed by small, red-orange berries, making it a great source of food for wildlife. Dwarf honeysuckle prefers moist, well-draining soil in full sunlight but is versatile and tolerant of multiple environments. Its dense growth habit and evergreen foliage makes it a useful choice as an informal hedge or border.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Greenwood Cuttings,Hardwood Cuttings

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 6

Flowers:

Yellowish-white Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Humus rich, Well-drained

Fruits:

Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

watering

Water dwarf honeysuckle regularly. Water them with 1-2 inches of water each week during the growing season, and reduce watering frequency during the winter when the plants are dormant. Apply the water at ground level, rather than from overhead, and be careful not to wet the foliage, as this encourages disease problems. Depending on the weather and soil, once-a-week watering may be sufficient; if the soil remains consistently dry, you may need to water more frequently.

sunlight

Dwarf honeysuckle (Lonicera xylosteum) is a plant species that enjoys plenty of sunlight. Its ideal conditions include full sun, which is defined as anywhere from 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If planted in a shadier location, Dwarf honeysuckle can still grow, but its growth rate and flowering will be reduced. This species can be planted in both spring and fall, allowing more opportunity to take advantage of optimal day-length and temperature conditions.

pruning

Dwarf honeysuckle should be pruned twice a year. In the early spring, shortly before the new growth appears, it should be pruned back to a height of about 8 inches above the soil line. In the late summer, any excess or dead growth should be pruned away. Depending on your climate and the desired shape of the bush, pruning can be done lightly or heavily. Additionally, any dead or diseased branches should be removed at the base. This species responds well to occasional pruning, so don’t be afraid to prune lightly several times throughout the growing season.

Season

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

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Lonicera xylosteum is usually in late summer or early fall, typically between August and October.

Starts Flowering

Dwarf honeysuckle typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Lonicera xylosteum is usually in late summer or early fall, typically between August and October.

Hardiness Map