American woodbine

Lonicera x americana | Also known as: Evergreen honeysuckle, Lonicera grata | Rating: 0 votes | Print / Pdf

A semi-evergreen or deciduous climbing perennial, lonicera x americana is a hybrid of lonicera implexa and lonicera etrusca. Called the American woodbine, its foliage comprises dark green, ovate leaves, which may be retained in mild winter areas – thus its alternative name, the evergreen honeysuckle. In summer, it produces clusters of richly perfumed, long tubular flowers, with the typical elegance of a honeysuckle. Their white upper petals open like a fan, and the lower tongue turns yellow as they mature and eventually deep red. In autumn, they’re replaced with clusters of red globular berries. A perfect option for courtyard or cottage gardens, it thrives in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Pruning after flowering is advised.

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Plant
Known dangers?
  • yes
Dangers: comments
  • Avoid eating its berries, or risk having mild stomach upset.
Height [m]
  • 5 - 8
Spread [m]
  • 1.5
Dominant flower colour
  • Mixed colours
Flower Fragrance
  • Yes, let it smell
Flowering seasons
  • Mid summer
Foliage in spring
  • Green
Foliage in summer
  • Green
Propagation methods
  • Greenwood cuttings
  • seed
  • Hardwood cuttings
Growth habit
  • Climbing
Environment
Acidity
  • Acidic
  • Neutral
  • Alkaline
Hardiness zone
  • Z7-10
Heat zone
  • H9-3
Winter temperatures [°C]
  • -18 - 4
Heat days
  • 7 - 150
Moisture
  • well-drained
  • well-drained but frequently watered
Soil type
  • sandy
  • Clay
  • chalky
  • loams
Sun requirements
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Exposure
  • Exposed
  • Sheltered
Usage
Standard category
  • Climbers
Grown for
  • Attractive Flowers
Creative category
  • Fine fragrants
  • For Beginners
  • Colours
  • Bonsai
  • For birds & bees
Garden type
  • Cottage garden
  • Coastal
Garden spaces
  • Walls, trellises and pergolas
Gardening expertise
  • beginner
Time to reach full size
  • up to 10 years
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