A Honey of a Plant

At the SBG, we’re often asked, “What kind of honeysuckle is OK to plant”? People are increasingly aware that non-native honeysuckles (such as Japanese or Amur honeysuckle) are highly invasive and have become a real problem in many areas. But with its shrubby form, yellow trumpet-shaped flowers, and dark green leaves which turn yellow, orange and even red in fall, bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera) is the honeysuckle of choice for savvy gardeners.

The genus name Diervilla honors a French surgeon named Dierville who introduced the shrub to Europe in the early 1700s; the specific epithet lonicera refers to the shape and sweetness of its flowers.

Rather than a sprawling vine habit, this small, mound-shaped shrub spreads to form thickets over time, making it a good choice for hedges or shrub borders. The fragrant, tubular flowers are enjoyed by many pollinators such as butterflies, long-tongued bees and hummingbirds. Fruit capsules which appear later are popular with songbirds, and it’s a host plant for laurel sphinx and snowberry clearwing moths.

So for sweet, guilt-free gardening, choose bush honeysuckle–you won’t be disappointed!

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