Lonicera gracilipes

RHS Plant Profile
slender-leaved honeysuckle
Shrubs

Deciduous, spreading shrub about 2m tall, with oval dark green leaves, red-flushed when young and red-tipped when mature. Pendulous, tubular or trumpet-shaped pink flowers with yellow anthers are produced singly or in pairs, in late spring, followed by scarlet berries

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow shrubby honeysuckle in any well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. See honeysuckle (shrubby) cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed when ripe, layering, softwood cuttings, semi-ripe cuttings, leaf-bud cuttings and hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 2

Pests

May be susceptible to honeysuckle aphids, Thrips and glasshouse whitefly

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, fungal leaf spot, silver leaf and honey fungus (rarely)