Amur honeysuckle
lonicera maackii
Also known as: ["Bush honeysuckle","Maack's honeysuckle"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to temperate East Asia, known for its fragrant white to yellow flowers and red berries.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","fast growing"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus: | Lonicera |
| Botanical Name: | Lonicera maackii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: naturalized areas, woodland edges, or as a hedge
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"-25–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged soils.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter. Tolerates a range of soil types but prefers fertile conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate pruning; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates light shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates. Outdoor placement is ideal for optimal growth.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid direct sun on leaves during peak hours.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid waterlogging; ensure good drainage.
Soil
well-drained, fertile loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Mulch to retain moisture; avoid compacted soil; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8. Prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates winter lows to -20°F (-29°C) and summer highs to 90°F (32°C).
Protect from late spring frosts; water early to avoid heat stress; ensure good air circulation in warm weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm roots; water before fertilizing to prevent root burn; use organic options for slow release.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer; layering is also effective.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
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) are ideal.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or coarse sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; establishment may take an additional 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, misting spray bottle, propagation tray, plastic wrap.
Quick Tips
Use clean tools to prevent disease; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the plant; heading back to control size; selective removal of weak or crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to control size, shape, and encourage flowering. Remove dead or diseased wood annually.
Tools
Hand pruners, loppers, pruning saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune before bud break; remove dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts just above buds.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Young plants may need repotting annually.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; trim roots if crowded; use fresh soil mix; water well after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for weather.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues. Allow excess water to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season, reducing frequency in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture levels.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold without protection.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt or turn yellow; growth slows; buds may abort if temperatures drop rapidly below tolerance.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect from harsh winds; avoid planting in frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering during prolonged heat waves.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil fertility; apply at recommended rates; water after fertilizing; avoid foliage contact.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season. Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that consume Lonicera maackii berries may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms. The toxic effects are generally limited to digestive discomfort, with no significant systemic toxicity reported.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Lonicera maackii berries 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 ToxicLonicera maackii berries 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 Amur honeysuckle invasive?
A: Yes, it is considered highly invasive in many regions of North America.
Q: Are the berries edible?
A: The berries are mildly toxic to humans and should not be consumed.
Q: How does it spread?
A: It spreads primarily through seeds dispersed by birds and vegetative growth.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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