Harlequin Honeyberry Lonicera × italica Harlequin = 'Sherlite' (v)

Water

The Harlequin Honeysuckle (Lonicera × italica 'Sherlite') prefers evenly moist soils; therefore, a consistent watering schedule is necessary. Generally, watering should occur approximately once a week, with adjustments made for rainfall and temperature conditions. During the active growing season in spring and summer, increase watering frequency to support growth. A good method is to check the top inch of the soil; if it's dry, it's time to water. Provide about 1 to 2 gallons of water at each interval, ensuring a deep soak that encourages root growth without causing waterlogging.

Light

The Harlequin Honeysuckle thrives best in full sun to partial shade with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. This plant will tolerate light shade but will flower more abundantly when it has good sunlight exposure. The ideal spot would be in a location that receives morning sun and some afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates, to prevent stress on the plant from excessive heat.

Temperature

The Harlequin Honeysuckle can tolerate a range of temperatures but grows best in temperate conditions. This plant is hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as -10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit but prefers the range of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It's important to protect the plant from extreme cold and frosts by providing suitable winter cover if temperatures drop significantly in your area.

Pruning

Pruning Harlequin Honeysuckle is important for shaping the plant, encouraging new growth, and improving air circulation. Light pruning can be done any time throughout the year to remove dead or damaged stems. However, the best time for significant pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune older stems to rejuvenate the plant, and trim back as needed after flowering to keep its growth in check.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Harlequin Honeysuckle prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a soil pH of 6 to 8. A good soil mix might include two parts garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part sand or perlite to improve drainage.

Repotting

Harlequin Honeysuckle (Lonicera) typically does not need frequent repotting as it is often grown outdoors. It may only need repotting if grown in containers and has outgrown its current pot, which could be every 3-5 years.

Humidity & Misting

The Harlequin Honeysuckle thrives best with average ambient humidity. It does not have specific humidity requirements, making it versatile, but it's important to ensure that it doesn't dry out completely.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, prune to shape, and water regularly.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to partial shade; mulch and water effectively.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Lonicera × italica 'Harlequin', commonly known as Harlequin Honeysuckle, starts its life as a seed, which when sown germinates in a warm, moist environment. Upon sprouting, the seedling grows into a young plant with distinctive variegated leaves, going through a juvenile phase where it establishes its root system and foliage. As it matures, the Harlequin Honeysuckle enters a vegetative stage, during which it undergoes vigorous growth, intertwining and climbing if given support. Once mature, it produces fragrant flowers in the summer, which attract pollinators and eventually give way to berries. The plant goes through its reproductive cycle annually, with flowers and fruit typically occurring each year once it reaches maturity. In colder climates or during winter, the plant may become dormant, shedding some leaves, but will resume growth with the return of favorable conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• The Lonicera × italica 'Harlequin', commonly known as Harlequin Honeysuckle, is typically propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in late summer when the plant's growth begins to slow down and the stems are not too tender or too woody. To propagate by cuttings, select a healthy stem and cut a 6 to 8 inch (15 to 20 cm) length just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, making sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place the pot in a warm area with indirect light. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new Harlequin Honeysuckle plant can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions.