When opting for honeysuckle, prioritize native or well-behaved varieties over invasives
Honeysuckle, or Lonicera, is a classic garden favorite, cherished for its fragrant, colorful flowers and ability to attract wildlife.
Lonicera is a genus of flowering plants encompassing around 180 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs and vines native to various regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia. With a captivating range of flower colors—from whites, yellows, and oranges to pinks and reds—honeysuckle is as versatile as it is attractive. Known for its sweet fragrance, especially during evenings and nights, the flowers can be a sensory delight.
The habit of these plants varies depending on the species, but most are twining vines that wrap around trellises, fences, or other supports, while some species grow as upright shrubs.
Not all Lonicera species are created equal. Some are invasive, some are native, and some are just well-behaved hybrids or imports.
Invasive honeysuckle species can pose a significant ecological problem by outcompeting native vegetation, disrupting local ecosystems, and creating a monoculture that leads to reduced biodiversity.
Native honeysuckle species offer significant advantages. They’re generally well-adapted to local soil and climatic conditions, making them easier to care for. They also coexist more harmoniously with local fauna, offering nectar and sometimes berries for native species of birds and insects. Planting native honeysuckle is a win-win, both for you and the environment.
Well-behaved honeysuckle varieties are a great choice for gardeners looking to enjoy the beauty and fragrance of these plants without the ecological concerns associated with some species.
Landscaping with honeysuckle offers a myriad of opportunities for creating inviting, aromatic, and visually pleasing outdoor spaces. Whether you’re working with a sprawling garden or a compact urban balcony, here are some ways to incorporate honeysuckle into your landscape design:
Lonicera x brownii ‘Dropmore Scarlet’
Companion plants for honeysuckle can vary depending on your specific goals, such as attracting pollinators, creating a certain aesthetic, or fulfilling practical needs like shade or soil improvement. Here are some suggestions:
Clematis: These vines enjoy similar growing conditions and can intertwine beautifully with honeysuckle. Their large, showy flowers provide a nice contrast.
Rose: Particularly climbing roses, can make a stunning combination with honeysuckle, both aesthetically and aromatically.
Salvia: Particularly the blue or purple varieties, offer a nice color contrast and attract even more pollinators.
Hosta: These shade-loving plants can be placed under the honeysuckle vine, providing an interesting texture contrast with their large leaves.
Fern: Also good for filling in the area under a honeysuckle vine, ferns can thrive in the partial shade provided by the honeysuckle.
Lavender: This fragrant herb can pair well with certain types of honeysuckle, offering both color and scent contrasts.
Echinacea (Coneflower): These can attract pollinators and provide a strong visual contrast, particularly with red or coral honeysuckle.
Daylilies: These are easy to grow and their showy flowers can complement those of the honeysuckle.
Sedum: Low-growing sedums can provide ground cover below a honeysuckle vine, preventing weeds and adding interest at lower levels.
Daffodils: Early spring bloomers like daffodils offer a burst of color before many honeysuckle varieties start flowering.
Asters: Late-season flowers like asters can take over the show when honeysuckle blooms start to fade.
Remember to take into consideration factors like soil type, sunlight, and watering needs when choosing companion plants. Also, make sure the plants you choose are compatible in terms of growth habit so that one doesn’t overpower the other.
Growing honeysuckle in your garden is generally straightforward, but success hinges on providing the right conditions and care. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
With these guidelines in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to grow and enjoy honeysuckle in your garden.
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
