Rangy Honeysuckle

lonicera acuminata

Also known as: ["Evergreen Honeysuckle","Acute-leaved Honeysuckle"]

Family: Caprifoliaceae Genus: Lonicera Category: Flowers

Overview

An evergreen climber with fragrant, tubular flowers that attract pollinators, native to Asia.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Dipsacales
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Genus: Lonicera
Botanical Name: Lonicera acuminata

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: trellis or fence in a partially shaded garden
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate average garden soil.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light trimming as needed.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adaptable to dappled light.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering), stunted growth (poor soil), or root rot (poor drainage).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

Morning sun is ideal; avoid scorching; rotate plant for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; adjust based on season and weather.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid waterlogged soil.

Temperature

Prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warmth.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain moderate humidity.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize sparingly; stop in winter; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Softwood stem cuttings; layering is also effective.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. 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 or 18–24°C).

Medium

Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or sand.

Hormone

Rooting hormone recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, misting bottle, plastic bag or propagator.

Quick Tips

Use healthy parent stems; keep medium moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Thinning cuts and selective heading back to maintain form.

Pruning Plan

Shape plant, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth; prune after flowering to avoid cutting off buds.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers (for larger stems), gloves.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape plant; avoid over-pruning.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter; ensure drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; refresh soil; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; 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, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; avoid wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain away.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or aged manure for fertility; mix sand or perlite for drainage; topdress annually.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf drop, wilting, or browning edges in extreme heat or cold; stunted growth.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold; vulnerable to frost damage.

Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; move indoors if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C); mulch to insulate roots.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering in excessive heat; may go dormant.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; mist foliage to cool.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with roots.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall); avoid winter feeding.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Lonicera acuminata may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Lonicera acuminata can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Lonicera acuminata may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthesis and potential defoliation if left untreated.

Rotting in Lonicera acuminata, particularly root or stem rot, is often caused by excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Lonicera acuminata is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from exposure to this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are required for growing this plant around cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Lonicera acuminata is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are required for growing this plant around dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Lonicera acuminata is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has not been reported to cause adverse effects when handled or ingested in typical amounts.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are required for handling or growing this plant around humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Lonicera acuminata invasive?

A: It can be invasive in some regions, so check local regulations before planting.

Q: How often should it be watered?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Q: Does it require pruning?

A: Yes, prune after flowering to control growth and shape.

Quick Reference
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Care: moderate
Light: partial shade to full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Privet Honeysuckle
View
Pincushion Flower
View
Small Teasel
View
Black Honeysuckle
View