Japanese Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica 'Dart's World'

Names

• Family

  Caprifoliaceae.

• Synonyms

  Japanese Honeysuckle, Hall's Honeysuckle, Gold-and-Silver Flower, Chinese Honeysuckle, White and Yellow Honeysuckle.

• Common names

  Lonicera japonica 'Dart's World'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica 'Dart's World') is considered toxic if ingested in large quantities. While honeysuckle berries attract birds, the berries, stems, and leaves can be harmful to humans. Symptoms of poisoning from eating parts of the plant may include stomach upset, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, and in severe cases, respiratory failure or convulsions.

• To pets

  Japanese honeysuckle is also toxic to pets. If dogs, cats, or other animals ingest parts of the plant, particularly in large amounts, they may experience symptoms similar to those in humans, such as gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, and possibly more serious symptoms such as lethargy, difficulty in breathing, or even seizures. It is advised to prevent pets from consuming this plant to avoid these potential health risks.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Semi-deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Mixed

• Height

  10 feet (3 meters)

• Spread

  6 feet (1.8 meters)

• Plant type

  Climber

• Hardiness zones

  4-9

• Native area

  Japan

General Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: Lonicera japonica 'Dart's World', commonly known as Japanese honeysuckle, offers an abundance of attractive, tubular flowers that range from pink to deep red, making it a popular choice for ornamental purposes.
• Fragrance: The plant is well-known for its sweet and potent fragrance, which is most pronounced in the evening, making it an excellent choice for gardens where evening ambiance is a priority.
• Wildlife Attraction: Japanese honeysuckle attracts various pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds, which are essential for a healthy ecosystem.
• Growth Habit: It is a vigorous grower and can cover large areas quickly, which is ideal for gardeners wanting to establish ground cover or screening in a short period of time.
• Erosion Control: The plant's dense growth habit can help prevent soil erosion on slopes and banks.
• Adaptability: It is adaptable to a wide range of conditions, which allows it to thrive in various soil types, levels of sunlight, and moisture conditions.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, Japanese honeysuckle typically requires minimal care, making it an attractive option for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance landscapes.
• Seasonal Interest: The flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, providing seasonal interest and color to gardens during these times.

Medical Properties

• Anti-inflammatory: Contains anti-inflammatory properties which may help reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Antibacterial: Exhibits antibacterial effects against certain strains of bacteria.
• Antiviral: May have antiviral activity, especially against influenza viruses.
• Antioxidant: Contains antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage.
• Soothing agent: Can be used to soothe sore throats and alleviate coughs.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Lonicera japonica 'Dart's World', commonly known as Japanese honeysuckle, can be used as a ground cover to prevent soil erosion on slopes due to its fast-growing and spreading nature.
• The plant's twining vines can be trained to grow over arbors or pergolas, offering a natural and fragrant shade during warm seasons.
• Japanese honeysuckle can be included in sensory gardens for its sweet fragrance, which is particularly strong in the evenings, thus enhancing the sensory experience.
• The flowers can be floated in water bowls indoors as a natural air freshener and an aesthetically pleasing decoration.
• When dried, the vines of the honeysuckle plant can be used in basket weaving and other crafts for their durability and flexibility.
• In landscaping, Japanese honeysuckle can be used to create privacy screens or living fences when trained on trellises or fence lines.
• As part of a wildlife garden, the plant can serve as a host for the larvae of certain butterfly species, contributing to native biodiversity.
• Japanese honeysuckle can be used in themed gardens, such as romantic or cottage gardens, for its old-fashioned, cascading flowers that evoke a bygone era.
• The vines can be used for decorative purposes in floral arrangements, providing both greenery and a pleasant scent.
• In large landscape areas, Japanese honeysuckle can be used to cover unsightly features, like piles of rocks or old tree stumps, blending them into the natural scenery.

Feng Shui

Japanese Honeysuckle is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

Japanese Honeysuckle is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Devotion: Lonicera japonica, commonly known as Japanese honeysuckle, often symbolizes devoted affection and the bond of love, as the plant's vines grow closely intertwined.
• Fidelity: The tenacious and enduring nature of the honeysuckle's vines are emblematic of a strong and lasting relationship, symbolizing faithfulness in love and friendship.
• Generosity: With its abundant and sweet-smelling flowers, honeysuckle can represent the giving of joy and happiness to others, as well as the generous sharing of affections.
• Bonds of Love: The intertwining growth habit of the honeysuckle plant is often equated to the interconnectedness of lovers, highlighting the intertwining of lives and shared experiences.
• Happiness: The sweet fragrance and the pleasure it brings to the senses can symbolize the creation and enjoyment of happy moments.