Alpine Honeysuckle (Lonicera alpigena) is a deciduous ornamental shrub native to Central and Southern Europe. It offers unique visual interest without the invasive concerns associated with some other honeysuckle varieties.
Identifying Alpine Honeysuckle
Alpine Honeysuckle typically grows as an upright shrub, reaching heights of up to 6.7 feet (2 meters) and a spread of 1.5–2.5 meters. Its deep green leaves are elliptic to oblong-ovate, with a shiny upper surface and a paler, sometimes hairy, underside, arranged oppositely along the stems. Small, tubular flowers appear in pairs at the end of stalks in late spring to early summer, often peaking in June. These flowers range from yellowish to greenish-yellow, sometimes with red or pink tinges. After blooming, red fruits develop in late summer, resembling small cherries, though they are not edible.
Growing and Caring for Alpine Honeysuckle
Alpine Honeysuckle prefers full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It thrives in well-draining soil, preferably loamy or sandy earth rich in organic matter. While it can tolerate a range of soil types, good drainage is important to prevent root rot.
Watering needs are moderate; the plant prefers consistently moist soil but should not be waterlogged. During the growing season, deep watering once a week, providing about one inch of water, is sufficient. Once established, Alpine Honeysuckle exhibits some drought tolerance. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9, tolerating temperatures from -20 °F (-28.9 °C) to 30 °F (-1.1 °C).
When planting, ensure the root ball is at the same level it was in its container. Amending the soil with compost or organic matter can improve its quality and fertility. A balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 N-P-K) can be applied monthly during spring and summer to support healthy growth and flowering.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning Alpine Honeysuckle helps maintain its shape, control size, and promote healthy growth. The best time for significant structural pruning, such as removing large branches, is during the dormant period in winter. Minor maintenance pruning, like removing dead or damaged branches, is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. For flowering, pruning after the bloom period can help maintain the plant’s shape and encourage future blossoms. Avoid removing more than one-quarter of the healthy branches and leaves to prevent hindering the plant’s normal development.
Ecological Benefits and Distinguishing from Invasive Honeysuckles
Alpine Honeysuckle offers ecological value, serving as a nectar source for various moths, including the Vashti sphinx and Hummingbird Clearwing. It also acts as a larval host plant for butterflies like the Red-spotted Purple and White Admiral. Birds are attracted to its red berries, supporting local wildlife.
It is important to differentiate Lonicera alpigena from invasive honeysuckle species, such as Amur (Lonicera maackii), Morrow’s (L. morrowii), Tatarian (L. tatarica), and Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica). Unlike these aggressive species, Alpine Honeysuckle is not considered invasive and is native to mountain forests of Central and Southern Europe. Invasive honeysuckles often have hollow stems, whereas native species typically have solid pith. Invasive types also tend to leaf out earlier in spring and retain their leaves later into fall, creating dense thickets that outcompete native plants.