Lonicera alpigena (Alpine Honeysuckle)

Scientific Name

Lonicera alpigena L.

Common Names

Alpine Honeysuckle

Synonyms

Caprifolium alpigenum, Caprifolium alpinum, Chamaecerasus alpigena, Euchylia alpigena, Isika alpigena, Isika lucida, Xylosteon alpigenum, Xylosteon alpinum

Scientific Classification

Family: Caprifoliaceae
Genus: Lonicera

Flower

Color: Yellowish
Bloom Time: Summer

Description

Lonicera alpigena is a deciduous shrub that grows up to 6.7 feet (2 m) tall. Leaves are shiny dark green on their upper surface, oval-lanceolate with short stalks with lower surface paler and hairy when young. Flowers are small, long-tubed, and yellowish. The bract is often reddish, as are the ovary bracteoles. The flowers are usually in pairs at the end of a stalk. In late summer, bears conspicuous brilliant red inedible fruits superficially resembling cherries.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 5a to 9b: from −20 °F (−28.9 °C) to 30 °F (−1.1 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Honeysuckle vines should be planted during the spring in cooler climates because their roots thrive when cool and shaded. Make sure to wait until the final frost before planting them.

When the timing is finally right, locate a spot for planting where they'll get full sun, or at the very least, partial sun exposure. Plant your honeysuckle at a soil depth of 18 inches and lay an organic fertilizer or compost over the top 3 inches.

This type of vine is sensitive to the amount of water and moisture it receives. When you first plant your honeysuckle, the plant will need a considerable amount of water to help it grow. However, by the time summer arrives, your vine will be more fortified and only need small amounts of water, even during dry spells. Many people make the mistake of watering the plant equally throughout these different stages, which is a definite recipe for harmful overwatering in the summer months. See more at 6 Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Honeysuckle Vine.

Origin

Native to mountain forests of Central and Southern Europe.

Links

• Back to genus Lonicera
• Plantopedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin

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