Black Honeysuckle
lonicera nigra
Also known as: ["Black Honeysuckle","Blackfly Honeysuckle"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to Europe, known for its black berries and fragrant flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","cold hardy"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus: | Lonicera |
| Botanical Name: | Lonicera nigra |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, trained on a trellis or fence
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- 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 the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun; protect from harsh midday sun in hot regions; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate plants 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-drained, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit for drainage; test pH before planting.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–7; tolerates cold winters; prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F) during active growth.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly during active growth; stop fertilizing in fall to prepare for dormancy; water before applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings 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.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), humid environment with indirect light.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or sterile potting soil with good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–6 weeks; establish in new pots after 3–4 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back to healthy buds or lateral branches; thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage flowering, and remove dead or weak growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for thicker stems), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune before active growth; remove dead/diseased wood; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are present.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh soil with good drainage; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for young plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure organic matter is well-decomposed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud formation in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt or turn brown; growth may slow or stop; risk of frost damage in extreme cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with burlap in severe cold; choose hardy cultivars for colder regions.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf drop, or scorched foliage; reduced flowering in prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use reflective mulch to reduce heat absorption.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water before and after; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in late summer.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that consume the berries of Lonicera nigra may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms. The toxic effects are generally limited to the digestive system, with no severe systemic toxicity reported.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of the berries by dogs can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxic compounds primarily affect the digestive tract, causing discomfort but not typically severe systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Lonicera nigra contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and other mild symptoms upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lonicera nigra toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How difficult is it to care for?
A: It requires moderate care and maintenance.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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