Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum 'Sweet Sue'

Names

• Family

  Caprifoliaceae.

• Synonyms

  Woodbine, European Honeysuckle, Common Honeysuckle, Perfoliate Woodbine, Sweet Sue.

• Common names

  Lonicera periclymenum 'Sweet Sue'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The English woodbine, more commonly known as Honeysuckle, has varieties that can be toxic to humans when ingested. Parts of the plant, including the berries, may contain saponins, which can cause mild to severe symptoms of poisoning. Ingesting honeysuckle can lead to symptoms such as stomach upset, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, and vomiting. Especially in children, ingestion of a significant quantity of the berries can lead to more severe symptoms and require medical attention. It is generally advised to keep an eye on children and educate them not to consume parts of this plant.

• To pets

  Honeysuckle can be toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. The plant contains saponins which, if ingested, can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, depression. The berries are particularly attractive to pets, but they can cause gastrointestinal upset if eaten. Pets that consume honeysuckle should be monitored closely, and if symptoms appear or ingestion is suspected, it is important to contact a veterinarian to seek appropriate advice and treatment. As with all garden plants, it's prudent to prevent pets from consuming plant material to avoid any risk of poisoning.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Cream

• Height

  6-15 feet (1.8-4.6 meters)

• Spread

  6-15 feet (1.8-4.6 meters)

• Plant type

  Climber

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Attracts Pollinators: Sweet Sue attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, thereby supporting biodiversity.
• Aesthetic Appeal: It has attractive, tubular flowers that can bring beauty to gardens and landscapes.
• Fragrance: Sweet Sue emits a sweet scent which can add a pleasant aroma to the area it is grown in.
• Habitat Creation: It can provide habitat and food for wildlife, especially for nectar-feeding insects.
• Durable: It is known to be a hardy plant that can survive in a range of environmental conditions with proper care.
• Easy Propagation: It can be easily propagated from cuttings or seeds, allowing gardeners to share and spread the plant.
• Privacy Screen: When planted in groups, it can act as an informal hedge or privacy screen.
• Easy Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and maintenance once established.
• Mixed Planting: Blends well with other plants in a mixed border to create a diverse and attractive display.
• Long Blooming Period: It has a long flowering period, which extends from late spring to late summer.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Lonicera periclymenum 'Sweet Sue', commonly known as honeysuckle, can be used as a natural dye source. The flowers provide shades of yellow and green when used in fabric dyeing processes.
• Its long twining vines can be used in basketry. Artisans and crafters sometimes incorporate honeysuckle vines into their work for added strength and aesthetic appeal.
• Honeysuckle wood is quite hard and can be used in carving small objects. Although not common, intricate details can be carved due to the wood's fine grain.
• The fragrant flowers can be used in making potpourri. They add a pleasant aroma to any room when dried and mixed with other scented botanicals.
• Floral arrangements often benefit from the inclusion of honeysuckle for its sweet fragrance and delicate appearance, enhancing both the visual and olfactory experience.
• Honeysuckle can be used as a natural plant support. Gardeners sometimes plant them alongside legumes or other climbing plants that can benefit from their sturdy structure.
• In the art of bonsai, honeysuckle can be trained and pruned to create miniature landscapes. Its flexible stems and small leaves make it suitable for this precise art form.
• Extracts from the flowers can be used as a natural flavoring in food and beverages, imparting a unique sweetness to desserts and drinks.
• The plant can act as a natural barrier or hedge. When grown densely, it creates a visual screen that also serves as a refuge for birds and beneficial insects.
• Finally, honeysuckle vines are sometimes used in the creation of living structures, such as garden arches or tunnels, providing a living, flowering feature to landscapes and gardens.

Feng Shui

Honeysuckle is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

Honeysuckle is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Love: Honeysuckle, especially Lonicera periclymenum 'Sweet Sue', is often associated with love and the bonds of affection due to its twining habit which can remind people of being embraced. Its sweet fragrance is also considered an allure, which adds to this symbolism.
• Devotion: The persistence and durability of honeysuckle, which allows it to thrive and continue to grow year after year, can represent long-lasting devotion and unbreakable relationships.
• Generosity: The abundant and sweet nectar of the honeysuckle flowers can symbolize generosity, stemming from the plant's lavish provision for pollinators.
• Happiness: The intoxicating scent of honeysuckle is thought to bring joy and evoke the sweetness of life, hence its symbolic connection to happiness.
• Fraternal Affection: As honeysuckle plants often grow in close proximity and appear to support one another, they can symbolize the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.