Honeysuckle belongs to the Lonicera genus, which encompasses approximately 180 species distributed across the northern hemisphere. The answer to whether honeysuckle is a vine is not simple, as the genus includes both climbing vines and upright, self-supporting shrubs. This variability in growth habit is the primary reason for the common confusion surrounding the plant’s identity. While many popular varieties are vigorous twining vines, other species naturally develop into bushy forms, requiring different care and landscape placement. Understanding the specific growth habit is necessary for proper cultivation, especially when considering the plant’s potential for aggressive growth.
The Dual Nature of Honeysuckle Growth
The structural difference between vining and shrub honeysuckle defines how each type interacts with its environment. Vining honeysuckles, classified as woody climbers, do not possess specialized clinging structures like tendrils or adhesive disks. Instead, their stems exhibit circumnutation, a rotating movement where the growing tip wraps tightly around a support structure to ascend vertically. This wrapping provides the necessary support for the vine to reach heights ranging from 10 to 30 feet.
Shrub varieties develop rigid, self-supporting stems that result in a dense, bushy form that spreads outward. These plants maintain an upright structure without external support, often reaching heights between 3 and 15 feet depending on the species. Many shrub species are deciduous, shedding their leaves annually, and are used in landscaping for hedging or privacy screens. This difference in stem structure dictates the plant’s function, with vines adding vertical dimension and shrubs providing mass and screening.
The woody stems of climbing varieties are flexible and elongated, allowing them to twine and drape over other vegetation. This mechanism enables the vine to rapidly gain access to sunlight by utilizing existing trees and shrubs as ladders. Vining types generally require more active management to prevent them from overwhelming their surroundings than shrub types.
Identifying Common Vining Species
Among the vining species, Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is widely recognized due to its aggressive, invasive tendencies. This non-native vine, introduced to the United States as an ornamental plant, spreads quickly via seeds, runners, and stems that root upon contact with the soil. Its rapid growth allows it to smother native plants and disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting them for light, water, and nutrients.
Japanese honeysuckle is identified by its highly fragrant, tubular flowers that open white and fade to creamy yellow, and its dark purple to black berries. In warmer climates, it remains semi-evergreen to evergreen, retaining foliage throughout the winter, which exacerbates its effect on deciduous native species. Its ability to climb high into tree canopies and form dense mats makes it a significant environmental concern in many regions.
Several non-invasive varieties are highly valued for their ornamental features and manageable growth habits. The native Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is a vigorous twining vine that typically grows 10 to 20 feet tall. This species features large, non-fragrant, scarlet to orange-red tubular flowers that are highly attractive to hummingbirds. L. sempervirens is well-behaved and supports native wildlife, offering a responsible alternative for gardeners seeking a climbing vine. Another option is the common woodbine (Lonicera periclymenum), prized for its strong, sweet fragrance and generally less aggressive than the Japanese variety. Choosing a native or non-aggressive cultivar is essential for responsible gardening.
Cultivation and Control of Honeysuckle Vines
Cultivating vining honeysuckle successfully depends on providing suitable support and strategic pruning. Due to their dense, woody growth, these vines can become heavy, requiring sturdy structures like well-anchored trellises, arbors, or pergolas. Thin wires or small stakes are insufficient and can lead to the plant collapsing or damaging the structure.
Pruning is necessary for both maintenance and control, and the timing depends on the species’ blooming schedule. For varieties that flower early in the season, pruning should occur immediately after the bloom fades to ensure the plant sets flowers for the following year. Overgrown vines can be rejuvenated by cutting the entire plant back hard in late winter or early spring while dormant.
If the goal is aggressive removal of an invasive vine, cutting the stem near the ground and immediately treating the fresh-cut stump with a targeted herbicide is the most effective method. This prevents the extensive root system from resprouting and minimizes the vine’s ability to regenerate. Complete removal is necessary for invasive species like Japanese honeysuckle to prevent further ecological damage.
A safety consideration for all honeysuckle varieties is the presence of mildly toxic compounds in their berries. The small red or black berries produced by most species contain saponins, which can cause digestive upset, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. While the flowers’ nectar can be safely consumed, caution should be exercised in landscapes frequented by children or pets.