Amur Honeysuckle

(Lonicera maackii)

August 1996

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf
Height: 8 to 15 feet
Spread: 8 to 12 feet
Shape: Bushy

Green summer foliage keeps its color through fall. Fragrant, white flowers bloom in the spring. Red berries appear in the fall.

Plant Needs:

Zone: 3 to 8
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet, moist, or dry
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.7 to 7.0

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include border, specimen plant, and attracting wildlife.

Planting Notes:

Transplants readily.

Tolerant of most soil and light conditions.

Care:

Easy to grow.
Withstands heavy pruning.

Problems:

No serious insects or disease pests.

Alternatives:

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.
Varieties of LONICERA MAACKII:

var. PODOCARPA has a better flower than the species. Spreads more and holds leaves later into the fall.

Related species:

LONICERA TATARICA (Tatarian Honeysuckle) is an easily grown shrub with few insect or disease problems. Its pink to white flowers are borne in late May, and its red berries are attractive in July and August.

Comments:

Amur Honeysuckle is the largest and fastest growing of all the shrub honeysuckles.

It holds its leaves until late in the fall, and it is not unusual for the plant to have green leaves and red berries at Thanksgiving time.

Grows from seed easily.

Its ability to spread, take over,and reduce the local plant diversity through competition and possible allelopathic effects has caused it to be identified as an invasive exotic.

Additional Materials:

The PRUNING SERIES videotape can be ordered through your local Extension office.
The following Extension publications are available through your local Extension office or directly from: Virginia Tech Extension Distribution Center 112 Landsdowne St. Blacksburg, VA 24061

#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-606 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Deciduous Shrubs"

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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