Italian Honeysuckle
Lonicera caprifolium
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Pl. 8166 — Lonicera caprifolium
Lonicera caprifoliumLonicera caprifoliumLonicera caprifoliumLonicera caprifoliumLonicera caprifoliumLonicera caprifoliumLonicera caprifoliumLonicera caprifoliumLonicera caprifoliumLonicera caprifoliumLonicera caprifoliumLonicera caprifoliumLonicera caprifoliumLonicera caprifolium
IOverview
Overview
Italian Honeysuckle, scientifically known as Lonicera caprifolium, is a deciduous shrub native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Europe. It thrives in various habitats across countries such as Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, and Greece. This plant is valued for its edible fruit, which can be enjoyed fresh or used in culinary applications. Italian Honeysuckle prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) and can tolerate partial sun to full shade. It grows up to 6 meters tall and is hardy in zones 4-8. Its adaptability makes it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Italian Honeysuckle?
Italian Honeysuckle, scientifically known as Lonicera caprifolium, is a deciduous shrub native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Europe. It thrives in various habitats across countries such as Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, and Greece.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Italian Honeysuckle thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in hardiness zones 4-8 and can reach a height of 6 meters. Propagate via cuttings for best results.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Mature size
6.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Italian Honeysuckle for the first time
8steps
Italian Honeysuckle is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that can thrive in various conditions, making it perfect for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Italian Honeysuckle plant or seeds, a trowel, and some compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in autumn before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and prepare containers with a mix of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants into your garden bed or pot, ensuring the roots are not damaged during handling. For seeds, sow them in spring at a depth of about 0.5 cm.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for any signs of stress and adjust watering accordingly.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade, depending on your local climate. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune in late winter to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to remove any dead or weak branches and to maintain the plant's size. This will also promote healthy new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil without amending it, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:Essential OilFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe14 regions
native (14)AlbaniaAustriaBulgariaCyprusFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwitzerland
Asia2 regions
native (2)PalestineTurkey
Africa4 regions
native (4)AlgeriaLibyaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 8166b258-47a2-4487-aa34-b816123d2db6
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