Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The plant, commonly known as honeysuckle, displays an elegant and twining habit, often winding itself around structures or other plants in its environment. Its branches are adorned with oval to rounded leaves that generally embrace the stem in opposite pairs. During its flowering season, the honeysuckle boasts sweetly fragrant, tubular flowers that are a delight for the senses and a magnet for pollinators. The blooms are typically a creamy white with shades of pink or yellow on the outside, presenting a delightful two-tone appearance that deepens in color as they age. The flowers are arranged in heady clusters that dangle gracefully from the branches. Following the flowers, the honeysuckle produces small, red berry-like fruit, which provides visual interest and food for wildlife but is not fit for human consumption. The overall appearance of honeysuckle is lush and lively, with a slightly wild, untamed character that can add a romantic touch to gardens and landscapes. The plant's ability to climb and its generous floral display make it an attractive choice for gardeners looking to add vertical interest or natural charm to their outdoor spaces.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  European Honeysuckle, Woodbine, Common Honeysuckle, Periclymenum, Dutch Honeysuckle, Goat's Leaf
- Common names
  Caprifolium periclymenum, Lonicera caprifolium var. periclymenum, Lonicera periclymenum var. serotina, Periclymenum vulgare
Toxicity
- To humans
  Honeysuckle is the most common name for Lonicera periclymenum. This plant is considered mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of honeysuckle poisoning can include stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. In general, though, honeysuckle isn't typically associated with severe toxicity in humans, and consequences of ingesting small amounts are usually minimal.
- To pets
  Honeysuckle can also be mildly toxic to pets. If a pet consumes parts of the plant, similar symptoms to those in humans can occur, which might include gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea. Although it's not among the most toxic plants for pets, it's still wise to prevent pets from ingesting honeysuckle to avoid any potential discomfort or more severe reactions in some sensitive animals.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Mixed
- Height
  6 feet (1.8 meters)
- Spread
  6 feet (1.8 meters)
- Plant type
  Climber
- Hardiness zones
  5
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attracts Wildlife: Lonicera periclymenum, also known as honeysuckle, is renowned for its ability to attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden, helping to promote biodiversity.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant boasts fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that add visual interest and a pleasant aroma to garden spaces throughout its blooming season.
- Privacy Screen: Honeysuckle can be used as a natural and decorative screen, growing on trellises or fences to provide privacy and reduce noise pollution.
- Erosion Control: With its ability to spread and grow in various soils, honeysuckle can help stabilize the soil and control erosion on slopes and in other vulnerable areas.
- Habitat Provision: The dense foliage and twining habit of honeysuckle provide nesting sites and shelter for birds and other small wildlife.
- Cultural Significance: Honeysuckle has various cultural connotations and has been used in folklore and gardening traditions, lending a sense of heritage to landscapes where it is planted.
- Garden Design: As a versatile plant, honeysuckle can be incorporated into a wide range of garden designs, from cottage gardens to more formal landscapes.
Medical Properties
- Anti-inflammatory: Lonicera periclymenum may possess compounds with anti-inflammatory effects.
- Antibacterial: Some studies suggest the plant has substances with antibacterial properties.
- Antioxidant: The plant could contain antioxidants that help in neutralizing free radicals in the body.
- Antiviral: Investigations indicate potential antiviral activity, particularly against certain flu viruses.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
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- Lonicera periclymenum, commonly known as honeysuckle, can be utilized as a natural dye. The flowers, in particular, may yield delicate colors when used in the traditional dyeing of fabrics.
- The wood of honeysuckle can be carved into small objects. Its fine grain allows for the creation of intricate details.
- Honeysuckle vines can be used in basketry. The flexible stems can be woven into baskets and other decorative items.
- As a natural fragrance, honeysuckle flowers can be infused into potpourris or sachets to freshen up spaces with their sweet scent.
- The flowers can also serve as a floral water flavoring, commonly used in some culinary traditions to add essence to desserts and beverages.
- The long, sturdy vines of honeysuckle can be used for garden trellising, offering support for climbing plants while adding aesthetic value to the garden.
- In some cultures, honeysuckle is used in rituals or ceremonies as a symbol of love and fidelity, often included in garlands or decorations.
- The nectar from honeysuckle flowers may be directly consumed, usually by children, for its sweet taste.
- Honeysuckle can be used in the creation of natural syrups. The sweet-scented flowers impart a unique flavor that can be used in drinks and desserts.
- Artists may use honeysuckle branches as a natural source for charcoals in drawing and sketching.
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Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Honeysuckle is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Honeysuckle is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Bond of Love: Lonicera periclymenum, commonly known as Honeysuckle, is often associated with the bond of love, due to its ability to twine around structures and other plants, symbolizing an embrace.
- Devotion: The persistent nature of honeysuckle blossoms, which remain tightly interwoven, can symbolize the devotion and constancy in a relationship.
- Generosity: With its abundant flowers and sweet nectar, honeysuckle is seen as a symbol of generosity, representing giving without asking for anything in return.
- Protection: Some cultures believe Honeysuckle has protective qualities, using it to ward off evil and negativity.
- Happiness: The sweet scent of honeysuckle is thought to induce dreams of happiness and enhance mood, making it a symbol of joyous experiences.
- Nostalgia: The nostalgic and intoxicating fragrance of Honeysuckle flowers can evoke memories of past joys, making it a symbol of fond reminiscence.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Not needed

Repotting

🌱️

Late Summer to Early Fall

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The most common common name for Lonicera periclymenum is Honeysuckle. Honeysuckle prefers consistent moisture and should be watered deeply, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, watering once a week with approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water should suffice. However, this may vary depending on climate conditions, with more frequent watering required in very hot, dry weather, and less during rainy periods. It is important not to let the soil dry out completely, which could stress the plant.
Light
Honeysuckle thrives in a location where it can receive full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for Honeysuckle would be where it is exposed to direct sunlight for at least six hours a day, while also providing some shelter during the hottest part of the afternoon. However, it can tolerate some light shade, especially in regions with very hot summers.
Temperature
Honeysuckle is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, thriving best in areas with temperatures between 60 to 80 Fahrenheit. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20 Fahrenheit, making it suitable for many temperate climates. To maintain robust growth, avoid placing Honeysuckle in areas where temperatures frequently exceed 90 Fahrenheit.
Pruning
Pruning Honeysuckle is necessary to shape the plant, encourage healthy growth, and remove dead or diseased branches. The best time to prune Honeysuckle is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune lightly each year to maintain the desired shape and size, while more extensive pruning should be done every few years to rejuvenate older plants.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) thrives best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, such as a mixture of loam, peat, and sand. The ideal soil pH for honeysuckle is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from around 5.5 to 7. A recommended soil mix would include two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or coarse sand to aid drainage.
Repotting
Honeysuckles, including Lonicera periclymenum, are vigorous growers and may not need frequent repotting unless they outgrow their container. They can be repotted every 2-3 years or when you see signs that the plant is root-bound, such as roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Humidity & Misting
Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) is not particularly demanding regarding humidity and can thrive in the average humidity levels found outdoors. It can also adapt to lower humidity levels typical of many indoor environments.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Give honeysuckle bright light, support for climbing, and keep soil moist.
- Outdoor
  Plant in sun or partial shade and ensure soil is fertile and well-drained.
- Hardiness zone
  4-9 USDA
Life cycle
Lonicera periclymenum, commonly known as Honeysuckle, begins its life as a seed, which upon germination in suitable conditions, grows into a young seedling. The seedling then develops into a mature climbing shrub, producing long and flexible stems. During its growth phase, Honeysuckle forms leaves and intwines with nearby structures or plants to gain support. Once mature, it produces fragrant flowers in the summer which are tubular and usually cream or pink, attracting pollinators. Following pollination, these flowers develop into small red berries, which contain seeds that are dispersed by birds and other animals. The Honeysuckle can live for many years, entering a dormant period in winter and resuming growth in spring, completing its perennial life cycle.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late Summer to Early Fall
- The most popular method of propagation for the Lonicera periclymenum, commonly known as the honeysuckle, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique is typically done in late summer to early fall. To propagate using this method, one would select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a length of approximately 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) just below a leaf node. The bottom leaves are then stripped, and the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining propagation medium. The pot should be kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect light, and the medium should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged until roots have developed, which typically occurs within a few weeks to a couple of months. Once the cutting has established a strong root system, it can be transplanted to a more permanent location.