Bearberry Honeysuckle, Twinberry Honeysuckle
lonicera involucrata
Also known as: ["Bearberry Honeysuckle","Twinberry Honeysuckle","Involucrate Honeysuckle"]
Overview
A deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub native to North America, known for its paired yellowish-orange flowers and red berries.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus: | Lonicera |
| Botanical Name: | Lonicera involucrata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: mixed shrub border or naturalized area in temperate gardens
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–34–38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"2–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter. Tolerates sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and age of the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates light shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade. Protect from intense midday sun in hot regions. Outdoor placement is ideal, but ensure filtered light indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sun; avoid placing in dark corners.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend clay soils with organic matter; test pH if growth is poor.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 2–7. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C). Tolerates cold winters but benefits from protection in extreme heat.
Protect from late frosts; water early to avoid heat stress; adjust care based on seasonal extremes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; water after fertilizing to distribute nutrients.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F or 18–24°C).
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage and aeration.
Hormone
Rooting hormone (auxin) is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; plants may take a full growing season to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting system or plastic bags, heating mat (optional).
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of older stems; heading back of overgrown branches; removal of dead or diseased wood.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage flowering, and remove dead or weak growth. Focus on older stems to rejuvenate the plant.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for thick stems), disinfectant (e.g., rubbing alcohol).
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune before bud break; remove crossing branches; cut just above buds or lateral branches.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove the plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container. Generally, every 2–3 years is sufficient.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh, well-draining soil; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting; avoid fertilizing for a month.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the day to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud break in insufficient winter chill.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth but do not typically harm hardy varieties. Prolonged freezing without snow cover may damage buds or stems.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in fall; provide burlap screens for wind protection in exposed areas; avoid late-season fertilization to harden off growth.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering. Stress may lead to increased susceptibility to pests.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to keep roots cool; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply lightly around the root zone, avoiding direct contact with stems. Reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest the berries of Lonicera involucrata may experience mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxic effects are generally limited to the digestive system, with no significant systemic toxicity reported.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of the berries of Lonicera involucrata may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxic compounds primarily affect the digestive tract, causing discomfort but not typically resulting in severe systemic toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Lonicera involucrata contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and discomfort when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to the digestive system, with no severe systemic effects typically observed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lonicera involucrata invasive?
A: It is not typically considered invasive, but it can spread in favorable conditions.
Q: Does it attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers and berries.
Q: How much sunlight does it need?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full sun, though it can tolerate some shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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