Standish's Honeysuckle Lonicera standishii

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Lonicera standishii, commonly known as Standish's honeysuckle, is an ornamental plant that is appreciated for its winter blooming characteristic. This deciduous shrub has a bushy appearance with multiple stems that emerge from the base. The stems are covered with bark that may peel in thin layers as the plant matures. The leaves of Standish's honeysuckle are simple, growing opposite along the stems, with a slightly oval shape and a pointed tip. The foliage tends to be a soft green color that provides a backdrop for the flowers. In some climates, the leaves may persist into winter, taking on a purplish tinge. One of the most distinctive features of Standish's honeysuckle is its fragrant flowers. These blossoms appear very early in the year, often before the leaves fully develop. They are small and tubular, usually about a couple of inches long, with a two-lipped appearance. The flowers are typically a creamy white color, sometimes tinged with pink or yellow. They are borne in pairs along the stems and can create a visually stunning display. After flowering, the plant produces small red or black berries that can attract birds and wildlife to the garden. These berries are often hidden among the leaves and may persist on the plant for an extended period. Standish's honeysuckle has a natural, informal growth habit, making it suitable for various garden settings, including borders and as a background plant in mixed beds. It is often chosen not only for its early flowers but also for its pleasant fragrance, which can be a welcome addition to winter or early spring gardens.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Caprifoliaceae.
- Synonyms
  Standish's Honeysuckle, January Jasmine, Standish Honeysuckle, Winter Honeysuckle.
- Common names
  Lonicera standishii.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Standish's honeysuckle does not have a well-documented profile regarding its toxicity to humans, indicating that it might not be significantly toxic. However, it's generally advisable to err on the side of caution and not consume parts of ornamental plants because different species and even different parts of honeysuckle can contain saponins or cyanogenic glycosides, which are harmful if ingested. In honeysuckles known to be toxic, symptoms of poisoning could potentially include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, more serious symptoms could ensue. Always consult with a medical professional or poison control center if ingestion occurs and adverse symptoms are noted.
- To pets
  Standish's honeysuckle is generally not listed among the plants that are highly toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. However, as with humans, it is prudent to assume that honeysuckles could contain saponins or cyanogenic glycosides. If pets consume parts of plants that contain these compounds, they may experience mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. If a pet appears to have consumed honeysuckle and is showing adverse symptoms, it is best to consult a veterinarian promptly.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Cream
- Height
  6 feet (1.8 meters)
- Spread
  6 feet (1.8 meters)
- Plant type
  Shrub
- Hardiness zones
  5
- Native area
  China

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Lonicera standishii, commonly known as Standish's honeysuckle, produces attractive white flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife Attraction: The fragrant flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Year-Round Interest: Standish's honeysuckle offers year-round interest with its flowers in spring, followed by berries in summer, and deciduous foliage that changes color in the autumn.
- Easy to Grow: This species is known for being hardy and can thrive in a variety of soil types, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners.
- Screening Plant: Due to its dense growth habit, it can be used as a natural screen or hedge, providing privacy in garden spaces.
- Winter Blooming: As one of the few plants that bloom in late winter, it provides color and interest during a season when few other plants are flowering.
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 standishii, also known as the Standish's Honeysuckle, can be used to create natural supports for climbing plants, as its strong branches can support the weight of other vines.
- The hollowed-out stems of Standish's Honeysuckle are sometimes used by children as natural pea shooters or for blowing bubbles.
- The dense growth habit of Standish's Honeysuckle makes it an excellent choice for creating privacy screens or hedges in landscapes.
- With its fragrant flowers, the Standish's Honeysuckle is used in the production of perfumes and fragrant oils.
- The wood of older Lonicera standishii branches can be carved or used for small woodworking projects, such as making handles for garden tools.
- Garden designers use this plant for its winter interest, as the blossoming in late winter provides a rare source of color during the colder months.
- Lonicera standishii can be employed in the art of bonsai, where its twisting branches and early flowers give it an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- Its branches can be used in floral arrangements, especially because they can bloom when cut and placed in water even during the winter.
- Standish's Honeysuckle can be utilized as a educational tool to teach about plant propagation, as it roots easily from cuttings.
- The intertwining growth pattern of Lonicera standishii can provide interesting structural elements in garden photography and botanical illustrations.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Standish Honeysuckle is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Standish Honeysuckle is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Devotion and Affection: Lonicera standishii, commonly known as Standish's honeysuckle, is often associated with loving bonds and devotion, as the plant's twining growth habit signifies clinging to loved ones and holding them close.
- Generosity: Standish's honeysuckle produces abundant and fragrant flowers, which can symbolize the generosity of spirit and the willingness to give pleasure and happiness to others.
- Protection: In some cultures, honeysuckle is believed to offer protection. Planted near homes, Standish's honeysuckle is said to prevent negative energies from entering.
- Sweetness of Life: The plant's sweet-smelling flowers can represent the sweetness of life, encouraging a person to appreciate and savor the good moments.
- 10acity: Reflecting its ability to climb and establish itself in a variety of conditions, this honeysuckle can symbolize resilience and the tenacity to overcome obstacles.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late winter-early spring

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Winter Honeysuckle should be watered deeply to ensure moisture reaches the roots, typically once a week during its growing season. Use about 1 to 2 gallons of water per plant for each watering session, depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. During the winter, you can reduce the frequency as the plant's water requirements decrease. Always check the soil moisture before watering; the top inch of soil should be dry to touch. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage.
Light
Winter Honeysuckle thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, place the plant where it can receive at least four to six hours of sunlight daily. Although it can tolerate partial shade, the best flowering occurs when the plant is exposed to full sun for a significant part of the day.
Temperature
Winter Honeysuckle is hardy and can withstand temperatures down to about 0°F, though it prefers the range of 60°F to 75°F for optimal growth. It can survive high temperatures but it's important to provide extra water during periods of extreme heat to prevent stress.
Pruning
Prune Winter Honeysuckle to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It is often sufficient to prune once a year, but if the plant becomes overgrown or has dead and diseased branches, it is beneficial to prune as needed throughout the year to maintain the plant’s health and appearance.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Standish Honeysuckle thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. For optimal growth, a soil mix of two parts loam, one part peat or compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand is suitable. This honeysuckle prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 8.0.
Repotting
Standish Honeysuckle does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when rootbound. Ensuring that it is placed in a well-draining container with adequate space for growth is crucial.
Humidity & Misting
Standish Honeysuckle prefers a moderate level of humidity but is quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity levels typical of many outdoor environments.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place Standish Honeysuckle in bright, indirect light indoors.
- Outdoor
  Plant in sun to part shade; mulch; water moderately.
- Hardiness zone
  4-8 USDA.
Life cycle
Lonicera standishii, commonly known as Standish's honeysuckle, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in late spring or early summer, grows into a young seedling. It develops into a woody shrub with a fibrous root system, and as a perennial, it progresses through seasonal cycles of growth. In early winter or late spring, Standish's honeysuckle produces fragrant white flowers that mature to a yellowish hue, and these flowers are crucial for sexual reproduction and attracting pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small red to black berries during the summer, which are then dispersed by birds and animals, aiding in the propagation of the species. Each year, the plant experiences a period of dormancy in the winter, wherein it conserves energy and prepares for the next cycle of growth in the spring. As the plant matures, it can spread vegetatively through layering and suckering, forming dense thickets and expanding its presence in an area over several years.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late winter-early spring
- The most popular method of propagating Lonicera standishii, commonly known as Standish's honeysuckle, is through softwood cuttings. This approach is typically performed in late spring to early summer when new growth is soft and flexible. A gardener would take cuttings approximately 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long from new growth, strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining medium. It's important to maintain a humid environment around the cuttings, often achieved by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator. Cuttings usually root within a few weeks, after which they can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before being planted out in their final positions.