Madeira honeysuckle
lonicera implexa
Also known as: ["Evergreen honeysuckle","Maderanerlauch"]
Overview
A small, evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region, known for its fragrant flowers and red berries.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus: | Lonicera |
| Botanical Name: | Lonicera implexa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor wall or trellis, or container in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates some shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-draining, fertile soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with compost annually.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 6–9; prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; adjust care for seasonal extremes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize after pruning; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; reduce feeding in dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F/21–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of crowded stems; light heading back of overgrown branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage flowering, and remove dead or overgrown stems.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for thicker stems), gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/damaged wood; shape plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose new pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, allowing water to penetrate the root zone; continue until water drains from the bottom; avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, or yellowing in extreme heat or cold; stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop; growth slows; vulnerable to frost damage in hardiness zone 5 or below.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from cold drafts; move potted plants indoors if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C).
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering in prolonged heat; may go dormant.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; mist foliage during heatwaves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; stop in winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume Lonicera implexa berries. The toxicity is generally low, but ingestion should be avoided.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Lonicera implexa berries can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic to dogs, but caution should still be exercised.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicLonicera implexa, commonly known as Mediterranean honeysuckle, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The berries are the most toxic part of the plant, though the toxicity is generally not severe.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lonicera implexa invasive?
A: It is not considered invasive in most regions but can spread if not managed.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun with adequate moisture.
Q: Are the berries edible?
A: The berries are mildly toxic and should not be consumed.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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