Lonicera japonica ‘Purpurea’ (Japanese Honeysuckle)

Lonicera japonica ‘Purpurea’ (Japanese Honeysuckle) is a vigorous, evergreen or semi-evergreen vine bearing highly fragrant purple-red flowers adorned with white interiors from spring intermittently through late summer. They are followed by blue-black berry-like fruit that attract birds. This Japanese honeysuckle has a lush foliage of purple-tinged, oval leaves throughout the growing season. Native to eastern Asia, this rampant and invasive vine should be replaced by similar but better behaved honeysuckle vines such as Lonicera periclymenum (Woodbine) or Lonicera heckrottii (Goldflame Honeysuckle). If used in the garden, great care should be taken with managing it and with disposing of unwanted material.

• Grows up to 10-30 ft. tall (3-9 m)
• A part shade lover, this plant is best grown in average, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates full sun. Adapts to a wide range of soils. Drought tolerant.
• An ideal choice for mass plantings on banks and slopes for controlling erosion.
• High maintenance, this plant is generally pest and disease free. Watch for aphids, thrips and powdery mildew.
• Cut back hard in late winter to control growth and to remove dead undergrowth.
• Propagate by layering, hardwood cuttings or semi-hardwood cuttings.
• Find where Lonicera japonica species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.