Etruscan Honeysuckle Lonicera etrusca 'Superba'
ABOUT
The Lonicera etrusca 'Superba', commonly known as the Etruscan honeysuckle, is a striking plant primarily known for its ornamental value and fragrant flowers. The plant features slender, twining stems that allow it to climb structures and other plants, or even to sprawl as a ground cover if left unsupported. Its leaves are oval-shaped, exhibiting a simple and opposite arrangement along the stem, with each leaf demonstrating a soft, lush green hue that can provide a delightful backdrop to the flowers. One of the most eye-catching aspects of the Etruscan honeysuckle is its blossoms. The flowers are tubular and typically arranged in pairs, exuding a sweet fragrance that is particularly noticeable in the evening or early morning. These blossoms are notable for their bi-color appearance, with the exterior typically showing a pinkish to red hue, while the insides of the tubes are often a creamy yellow or soft white, creating a striking contrast. Following the flowering period, the plant produces berries that range in color from red to orange. These berries are popular with local wildlife, particularly birds, which find them to be an attractive food source. The contrast between the dark green foliage, the vibrantly colored flowers, and the berries creates a dynamic display that can be visually stunning. Overall, the Etruscan honeysuckle is a versatile and highly ornamental plant that adds both color and fragrance to the environments where it grows, whether trained up a trellis or left to meander through a garden bed. Its growth habit, flower color, and fragrant blossoms make it a favorite among garden enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Caprifoliaceae.
Synonyms
Etruscan Honeysuckle, Italian Woodbine.
Common names
Lonicera etrusca 'Superba'
ToxicityTo humans
The Lonicera etrusca 'Superba', commonly known as the Etruscan honeysuckle, is not generally considered to be highly toxic to humans. However, like many plants, it may contain compounds that can cause adverse reactions if ingested. The berries of honeysuckle plants, in particular, can be potentially harmful. Symptoms of honeysuckle berry ingestion can include gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ingesting large quantities of the berries could potentially lead to more serious symptoms, although cases of severe poisoning are rare.
To pets
The Etruscan honeysuckle is similar in toxicity to pets as it is to humans. While the plant itself is not highly toxic, the berries can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets such as cats and dogs. Symptoms of poisoning from the consumption of honeysuckle berries can include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is advisable for pet owners to keep an eye on their animals and prevent them from consuming the berries of this plant to avoid these potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
10 feet [3 meters]
Spread
6 feet [1.8 meters]
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: Lonicera etrusca 'Superba', also known as Etruscan honeysuckle, attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its beautiful, fragrant flowers and attractive, semi-evergreen foliage, Etruscan honeysuckle adds visual interest to gardens.
- Screening: The plant's vigorous climbing habit makes it an excellent choice for creating natural screens or for covering walls, fences, and trellises.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Etruscan honeysuckle can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Fast Growth: As a fast-growing vine, Etruscan honeysuckle quickly covers the desired areas, providing swift results for landscaping projects.
- Erosion Control: The extensive root system of Etruscan honeysuckle helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially on slopes.
- Wildlife Shelter: The dense foliage offers nesting sites and shelter for birds and other small wildlife, contributing to a balanced ecosystem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The Lonicera etrusca 'Superba', commonly known as Honeysuckle, can be used to produce a natural dye for textiles, yielding colors in the yellow or green spectrum depending on the mordant used.
- In creating artisanal crafts: The flexible branches of the Honeysuckle can be woven into baskets, wreaths, or decorative ornaments by crafters pursuing traditional techniques.
- As an ingredient in perfumery: The fragrant flowers of the Honeysuckle can be used by perfumers to extract scent for creating unique, floral fragrances.
- For culinary purposes: The nectar-filled blossoms can be used to sweeten tea, prepare syrups, or as an ingredient in gourmet jelly or desserts.
- As a garden structure: The Honeysuckle's climbing habit can be encouraged to grow over trellises or pergolas, providing an attractive green structure in the garden that later becomes adorned with fragrant flowers.
- Capturing fine art: The attractive features of the Honeysuckle, including its flowers and vines, are often depicted in botanical illustrations and fine art photography.
- For educational demonstrations: The rapid growth and climbing ability of Honeysuckle can be utilized in educational settings to demonstrate plant growth habits and support mechanisms.
- Companion planting: Honeysuckle can be used in companion planting to attract beneficial insects and pollinators to the garden, supporting increased biodiversity.
- In live fencing: Honeysuckle can be planted as part of a living fence, contributing to privacy and adding aesthetic value with its lush foliage and vibrant flowers.
- For wildlife support: Planting Honeysuckle can provide nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies, while its dense growth can offer nesting sites and shelter for various small birds and wildlife.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Italian Honeysuckle is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Italian Honeysuckle is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Devotion: Lonicera etrusca 'Superba', commonly known as Honeysuckle, often symbolizes enduring love and devoted affection. The plant's tendency to twine closely around structures is emblematic of intimacy and the enduring bonds between people.
- Happiness: Honeysuckle flowers are sweet-smelling, and their fragrance is often associated with the warm, sunny days of spring and summer, which can evoke feelings of joy and contentment.
- Generosity: The abundant and sweet nectar of the Honeysuckle can be seen as a gesture of generosity and giving without expecting anything in return.
- Protection: Traditionally, Honeysuckle is thought to offer protection. Planting honeysuckle near a home was believed to prevent negative energies and to guard against evil.
WaterEtruscan honeysuckle (Lonicera etrusca 'Superba') should be watered deeply and thoroughly, ensuring the water reaches the roots and the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, typically, water once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per watering session, depending on weather conditions. In the height of summer, you may need to increase the frequency to twice a week if the weather is particularly hot or dry. Reduce the amount of water in the cooler months, and always check the top few inches of soil for moisture before watering to avoid overwatering.
LightEtruscan honeysuckle prefers a location where it can receive full sun to partial shade. The best spot for the plant is one where it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, although it can tolerate some afternoon shade. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to reduced flowering and a leggy growth habit.
TemperatureEtruscan honeysuckle thrives in a wide range of temperature conditions, but ideally, it should be kept in an environment where the temperature is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can withstand minimum temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for many temperate regions. Be sure to protect it from extreme cold or frost which can damage the plant.
PruningEtruscan honeysuckle should be pruned to maintain shape and promote vigorous growth. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or overcrowded branches to improve air circulation and light exposure. Typically, pruning can be done once a year, but if the plant is in a desired shape and size, only light maintenance pruning might be necessary.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Etruscan honeysuckle ('Superba') thrives in a well-draining soil mix with high organic matter content. A mix of loam, peat, and sand at equal parts is ideal, promoting good drainage and fertility. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingThe Etruscan honeysuckle should be repotted every 2-3 years to ensure it has sufficient space to grow. Younger plants may need more frequent repotting, while mature plants can be repotted less often as their growth rate slows down.
Humidity & MistingEtruscan honeysuckle prefers average to high humidity levels. It is adaptable but thrives best when the ambient humidity is kept at a consistent 40-60%, avoiding environments that are too dry or overly moist.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit area with some direct sun; ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in sun or partial shade; shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleLonicera etrusca 'Superba', commonly known as the Etruscan Honeysuckle, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in spring after experiencing a cold stratification period, which mimics winter-like conditions. The seedlings develop into young plants with a root system and foliage during their first growing season. As it matures, this twining vine climbs on supports or other plants, growing rapidly in favorable conditions of full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. In late spring to summer of following years, Etruscan Honeysuckle produces fragrant flowers that attract pollinators, leading to the formation of small red or black berries, which are dispersed by birds and animals. The plant enters a period of dormancy in winter, where vegetative growth ceases and it survives on stored energy until the next spring, when the cycle begins anew with fresh growth and flowering. This perennial cycle repeats year after year, with the plant potentially spreading by layering or cuttings if conditions are conducive.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Lonicera etrusca 'Superba', commonly known as the Etruscan honeysuckle, is most frequently propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. This process is typically done in summer when the plant's growth is semi-mature yet still flexible. To propagate, a cutting of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long is taken from a healthy plant, with the lower leaves removed and the base cut just below a leaf node. This end is then dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a mixture of peat and perlite or sand to provide good drainage. Adequate moisture and warmth are essential, so the cutting should be kept in a humid environment and out of direct sunlight until roots have developed, which may take a few weeks.
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