Honeysuckle (Lonicera) is a popular group of plants known for its intensely fragrant, tubular flowers and ornamental appeal. These flowering plants, which come as vining climbers and upright shrubs, are widely sought after by gardeners for their ability to attract pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies. Honeysuckle varieties are readily available through numerous commercial sources.
Availability and Purchasing Sources
Honeysuckle plants can be acquired from a wide array of vendors, including local garden centers, large national retail chains, and specialized online nurseries. Local nurseries often offer varieties best suited to your specific regional climate, sometimes including native species. Many reputable online retailers also ship established, container-grown plants directly to consumers.
The ideal time to acquire and plant honeysuckle is during the cooler seasons of early spring or fall. This allows the plant’s root system to establish itself before the stress of summer heat or winter dormancy. While bare-root shrub varieties are sometimes available in late autumn or winter, most containerized plants can be successfully planted throughout the growing season, provided they receive consistent watering. When purchasing, ensure the plant tag clearly identifies the species to avoid selecting an invasive type.
Choosing Between Native and Invasive Types
Before acquiring a honeysuckle plant, understand the difference between native and non-native invasive species, as the ecological impact varies greatly. Many fragrant honeysuckles, like Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and certain bush honeysuckles (Lonicera maackii), are non-native and considered invasive in many regions. These invasive species can form dense thickets that aggressively outcompete and shade out native vegetation, leading to a reduction in biodiversity.
Invasive honeysuckles gain a competitive advantage by leafing out earlier in the spring and retaining leaves later into the fall than native plants. This extended growing period allows them to absorb light and nutrients needed by native understory plants and tree seedlings. Furthermore, the berries produced by invasive types are often low in the fats and nutrients required by migrating birds, negatively affecting wildlife nutrition.
Gardeners should seek out North American native species, such as Trumpet or Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), which are non-invasive. These native varieties are excellent attractants for hummingbirds and pollinators and are well-adapted to local conditions. A simple way to distinguish between some native and invasive shrub varieties is to check the pith (the center of a broken stem). Many invasive honeysuckles have hollow stems while native species have solid ones. Verify any local restrictions before purchasing, as governments sometimes regulate the sale and transport of specific invasive species.
Planting and Maintenance Guidelines
Successful establishment of a honeysuckle plant begins with proper site selection and sun exposure. Most honeysuckles perform best in full sun to partial shade. Vining types often thrive when their roots are shaded and their foliage is exposed to the sun. The soil should be well-drained and moist, as honeysuckle does not tolerate soggy conditions.
When planting, dig a hole that is approximately twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground. For vining types, a sturdy support structure (such as a trellis, arbor, or fence) must be installed at the time of planting. Consistent watering is necessary during the first year for root establishment, though mature plants demonstrate good drought tolerance. Pruning is done annually in late winter or early spring to manage size and shape, with timing depending on whether the variety blooms on old or new wood.