Lonicera affinis
Lonicera affinisfam. Caprifoliaceae
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Pl. 74B0 — Lonicera affinis
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IOverview
Overview
Lonicera affinis, commonly known as Japanese Honeysuckle, is a deciduous vine native to Japan and the Nansei-shoto islands. This plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils ranging from light (sandy) to heavy (clay), and it prefers full sun to partial shade. It can grow up to 7 meters tall, making it an impressive ornamental addition to gardens. Known for its edible flowers and fruits, Lonicera affinis is both beautiful and useful, offering a light touch of sweetness in the garden or as a natural food source.
Quick answers
What is Lonicera affinis?
Lonicera affinis, commonly known as Japanese Honeysuckle, is a deciduous vine native to Japan and the Nansei-shoto islands. This plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils ranging from light (sandy) to heavy (clay), and it prefers full sun to partial shade.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Lonicera affinis thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 and can reach a height of 7 meters. For propagation, consider using cuttings or seeds. The plant's edible parts include its flowers and fruit.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Mature size
7.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Lonicera affinis for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance approach to growing Skip.
- 1
What you'll need
A small plant or seeds, a pot if starting from seed, and basic gardening tools.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) textures. Ensure containers are at least 10 inches wide and deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
For seeds, sow them in early spring just below the surface. For transplants, dig a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist and provide partial shade if full sun is too intense.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and remove any dead or weak branches.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersFruit
Edible uses: The flowers and fruits of Lonicera affinis are edible. The flowers can be eaten raw or used to make tea, while the fruits are typically enjoyed fresh or cooked in various dishes.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 2 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Japan
Broader regions
native:Nansei-shoto
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Caprifoliaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Caprifoliaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 74b02bea-e7b0-4613-b258-4045aad3acfb
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