Tellmann's Honeysuckle Lonicera × tellmanniana
ABOUT
The plant known as Tellmann's honeysuckle is a strikingly beautiful ornamental vine that boasts an exuberant display of flowers. This plant is known for its trumpet-shaped blooms which come in a vibrant orange to yellow hue, creating a stunning visual contrast against the foliage. The flowers are rich and colorful, with a long, tubular form that flares out into a five-lobed corolla at the mouth, looking almost like a funnel. The leaves of Tellmann's honeysuckle are opposite, meaning they grow in pairs on either side of the stem. These leaves have a lush green color and can be oval to oblong in shape, with a slightly glossy texture that gives the plant a lively and dense appearance. The texture of the leaves provides a lovely backdrop for the flowers, further enhancing their aesthetic appeal. This honeysuckle's cascading habit and twining stems make it an ideal candidate for trellises, arbors, and other support structures, where it can climb and showcase its ornamental qualities. The plant provides a profusion of blooms that not only add a splash of color to their surroundings but also can attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. This captivating display of blooms typically occurs in late spring to early summer, when gardens begin to erupt with life and color. In short, Tellmann's honeysuckle is a plant that is cherished for its decorative flowers, serene green foliage, and climbing nature, making it a delightful addition to many garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Caprifoliaceae
Synonyms
Tellmann's Honeysuckle, Tellman's Woodbine
Common names
Lonicera × tellmanniana.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Lonicera × tellmanniana is Tellmann's honeysuckle. Honeysuckle species can vary in their level of toxicity to humans; some parts are mildly poisonous due to the presence of saponins while others may not be harmful. However, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning recorded for Tellmann's honeysuckle. As with many plants, if ingested in large quantities, it may potentially cause stomach upset or discomfort. Generally, accidental ingestion of honeysuckle berries or other plant parts by humans may result in mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
To pets
Tellmann's honeysuckle is generally considered to be of low toxicity for pets such as dogs and cats. Most honeysuckle species are not particularly harmful to pets, but they can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in significant amounts. Symptoms of ingestion can include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. However, chronic or significant consumption could potentially lead to more severe symptoms, so it is always best to prevent pets from consuming plants unless their edibility and safety are well established.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: Lonicera × tellmanniana, commonly known as Tellmann's honeysuckle, is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which can help pollinate garden plants.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant orange to yellow flowers, Tellmann's honeysuckle adds a splash of color to any garden or landscape.
- Fragrance: The flowers of Tellmann's honeysuckle emit a pleasant fragrance that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Screening Plant: Due to its vigorous growth habit, it can be used to create natural screens or hedges, providing privacy and reducing noise pollution.
- Tolerates Different Soil Types: Tellmann's honeysuckle can grow in a variety of soil conditions, which makes it a versatile choice for different garden settings.
- Easy to Grow: It is generally considered low maintenance and easy to cultivate, making it suitable for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Supports Biodiversity: By providing nectar, it supports local biodiversity, particularly benefiting the native pollinator populations.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting material: The flexible branches of Tellmann's honeysuckle can be woven into wreaths or other decorative items.
- Garden structure accent: This plant can be grown against garden structures to accentuate arches, pergolas, or trellises with its vibrant flowers.
- Nectar source for bees: Tellmann's honeysuckle provides a generous source of nectar for bees during its flowering period.
- Photography subject: The striking orange flowers make Tellmann's honeysuckle an attractive subject for photographers, especially those specializing in botanical images.
- Privacy screening: When planted in rows, Tellmann's honeysuckle can create a dense, fast-growing screen that offers privacy to homeowners.
- Shade provider: With ample foliage, this honeysuckle can create shaded areas in gardens, ideal for planting under plants that require less direct sunlight.
- Erosion control: Its root system helps stabilize soil on slopes and banks, preventing erosion.
- Wildlife habitat: The dense foliage provides shelter for small birds and other wildlife.
- Education and research: Tellmann's honeysuckle can be used in educational settings to teach about plant growth and climber behavior.
- Culinary decoration: While the plant is not known to be edible, its colorful blossoms can be used as a decorative garnish for food presentations after ensuring they are free from pesticides and other chemicals.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tellmann's Honeysuckle is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tellmann's Honeysuckle is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Devotion: As a variety of honeysuckle, Lonicera × tellmanniana is often associated with love and affection, representing the bond and devotion between two people.
- Generosity: Some cultures see honeysuckle as a symbol of generosity due to its abundant and sweet nectar, which is freely given to birds and insects.
- Happiness: The sweet fragrance and bright color of the honeysuckle blooms are commonly linked with happiness and joviality.
- Protection: In folklore, honeysuckle is sometimes thought to have protective qualities, guarding against negativity and evil spirits.
WaterThe Tellmann's Honeysuckle should be watered deeply and thoroughly, so that the water reaches the deep roots. During the growing season, ensure it gets about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water weekly, but this will vary based on your climate and soil type. During prolonged dry spells or extreme heat, increase the frequency to twice a week, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. It's crucial to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
LightTellmann's Honeysuckle thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best spot for this plant is where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, though it can tolerate some light shade, especially in the afternoon. Avoid heavily shaded areas, as too little light can diminish its flowering and overall health.
TemperatureTellmann's Honeysuckle is hardy in a wide range of temperatures, capable of withstanding minimum temperatures down to 5°F and thriving in areas where temperatures can reach up to 95°F. The ideal temperature range for vigorous growth and blooming is between 60°F and 80°F. Ensure the plant is well-mulched to protect it from extreme cold in the winter.
PruningPruning is essential for maintaining the health and shape of Tellmann's Honeysuckle. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring, before the onset of new growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or overgrown branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. Pruning can also stimulate new growth, leading to more flowers. Prune the plant annually or as needed to control its size and maintain its desired form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTellmann's Honeysuckle thrives in a well-drained soil mixture, ideally with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A blend of garden soil, compost, and peat moss or a balanced soil mix designed for shrubs can provide the necessary nutrients and drainage.
RepottingTellmann's Honeysuckle is generally planted outdoors and doesn't require frequent repotting. If grown in a container, repot it every 2-3 years or when it outgrows the pot.
Humidity & MistingTellmann's Honeysuckle is not particularly humidity-sensitive and can thrive in average outdoor humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and good air circulation for indoor Tellmann's Honeysuckle.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil with sunlight to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleLonicera × tellmanniana, commonly known as Tellmann's honeysuckle, begins its life as a seed that germinates in moist, well-drained soil typically in spring. After sprouting, the seedling rapidly grows into a young plant, establishing a root system and producing shoots that develop into long, twining stems. As it matures, the plant enters a vegetative stage where it continues to grow in height and spread, creating a woody structure with deciduous leaves annually. In late spring to early summer, Tellmann's honeysuckle progresses to the flowering stage, blooming with trumpet-shaped, orange to yellow flowers that attract pollinators and may lead to the production of inedible berries. After the reproductive stage, the plant may enter a period of dormancy in the winter months, shedding leaves in colder climates. Throughout its life, the honeysuckle can be pruned to maintain shape and encourage more prolific blooming in the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Lonicera × tellmanniana, commonly known as Tellmann's Honeysuckle, is by semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique is generally done in late summer. A gardener should select a healthy stem with new growth and cut a 4 to 6-inch (approximately 10 to 15 cm) section, making sure it has several leaves. The bottom end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting can then be placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that at least two sets of leaves are above the soil surface. The pot should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and placed in a warm area with indirect sunlight. Roots typically develop within 4 to 8 weeks, after which the new honeysuckle plant can be transplanted to a permanent location.
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