Scientific Name
Lonicera caprifolium L.
Common Name(s)
Perfoliate Honeysuckle, Italian Woodbine, Italian Honeysuckle, Goat Honeysuckle, Goat-leaf Honeysuckle, Perfoliate Woodbine, Early Cream Honeysuckle, Lily Among Thorns, White Italian Honeysuckle
Synonym(s)
Caprifolium atropurpureum, Caprifolium germanicum, Caprifolium hortense, Caprifolium italicum, Caprifolium magnevilleae, Caprifolium pallidum, Caprifolium perfoliatum, Caprifolium rotundifolium, Caprifolium sylvaticum, Caprifolium vulgare, Lonicera italica, Lonicera pallida, Lonicera suavis, Lonicera verna
Scientific Classification
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Genus: Lonicera
Flower
Color: Creamy-white
Bloom Time: Midsummer
Description
Lonicera caprifolium is a strong-growing, twining deciduous shrub that grows up to 26.2 feet (8 m) tall, making a large climber with oval blue-green leaves. The upper leaves are perfoliate.
The flowers are up to 2 inches (5 cm) long, scented, reddish on first opening, but changing to creamy-white. They appear in terminal clusters.
How to Grow and Care
Honeysuckle vines should be planted during the spring in cooler climates because their roots thrive when cool and shaded. However, 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, it will need a considerable amount of water to help it grow. However, your vine will be more fortified when summer arrives and only need small amounts of water, even during dry spells. Unfortunately, many people mistake 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
Lonicera caprifolium is native to parts of Europe and naturalized in southeast Britain and northeastern North America.
Links
- Back to genus Lonicera
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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