Lonicera involucrata
Californian honeysuckle
A deciduous shrubby honeysuckle with sturdy shoots and oval-shaped mid-green oblong leaves. In late spring, dark yellow tubular flowers, often with hints of red, appear. These are surrounded by green bracts that turn red. These are followed by shiny black berries
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Yellow Red | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | Black | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Lonicera can be deciduous and evergreen shrubs, or climbers with twining stems. The tubular or two-lipped flowers, often very fragrant, are followed by red or black berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any well-drained soil in sun or part shade
Propagation
Propagate by greenwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to honeysuckle aphids, Thrips and glasshouse whitefly
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry soils
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