Maintenance Landscaping Design

Amur honeysuckle is an introduced ornamental plant that has spread aggressively in the eastern United States. This hardy plant can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including full sun or shade, and dry or moist soil. It can quickly form a dense hedge or screen, and its fragrant flowers attract bees and other pollinators. However, amur honeysuckle can also choke out native plants, so it should be used with caution in the landscape.

Also known as

• Lonicera maackii
  
• Morrow's honeysuckle
  
• Amur bush honeysuckle
  
• Belle Isle honeysuckle
  
• Tartarian honeysuckle

Things to Know

• Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub native to China and Japan.
  
• It can grow up to 15 feet tall and has dark green leaves that are ovate in shape.
  
• The plant produces small, white flowers in the springtime, which are followed by small, red berries.
  
• Amur honeysuckle is considered to be an invasive species in North America.
  
• It is believed to displace native plants and reduce biodiversity.
  
• Amur honeysuckle is difficult to control once it is established.
  
• It can spread rapidly through seed dispersal by birds and other animals.
  
• The plant is tolerant of a variety of soil types and habitats.
  
• Amur honeysuckle can be controlled through mechanical removal, herbicides, or fire.
  
• Some states and provinces have banned the sale and transport of Amur honeysuckle.

Related plant:
Amur Maple Shrub

Planting Process

1. For amur honeysuckle, first step is to find a good spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight.
   
2. Then, dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant’s root ball.
   
3. Next, backfill the hole with soil and water it generously.
   
4. After that, place the plant in the hole and fill it with more soil, tamping it down around the roots.
   
5. Water the plant again and then apply a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture.
   
6. Finally, give the plant a good pruning to encourage new growth.

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Amur honeysuckle prefers moist to dry conditions and slightly acidic to neutral soils, but it is adaptable. It will not grow in waterlogged soils. This species has a deep taproot and is very drought tolerant once established.

Light requirement

Just like other honeysuckle species, the Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) requires full sun to partial shade to grow and thrive. It's a fast-growing plant, so it's often used as a "filler" in landscaping designs. Because it's an invasive species, however, it's best to avoid planting it in areas where it can escape and cause problems.

The Temperature

The temperature condition of the Amur honeysuckle is that it prefers warmer climates and struggles to survive in colder climates. This shrub is not cold hardy and will not survive in temperatures below -10 degrees Fahrenheit. The Amur honeysuckle is native to Asia and was introduced to North America in the late 1800s.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 70%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, this type of plant is not very demanding. A general-purpose fertilizer applied a few times a year should provide everything it needs. Be sure to water it after fertilizing. As for the root, if you have problems with it, you can try to improve drainage by adding organic matter to the soil.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of caring for amur honeysuckle. This fast-growing plant can become leggy and overgrown if left unpruned. To keep it looking its best, prune it annually in late winter or early spring. Cut back the stems by about one-third to encourage new growth.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best done by seed, which can be sown in spring or fall. The seed must be cold-stratified for best results. Sow the seed on the surface of a well-drained, seed-starting mix and press gently into the mix. Water with a fine mist and place in a cool area with bright light but no direct sun. Keep the mix moist but not soggy. Seeds should germinate in 30-60 days.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is rapid in the spring and then slows some in the summer. However, growth can pick up again in the fall as the weather cools and the plant prepares for winter. Amur honeysuckle is a deciduous shrub, so it will lose its leaves in the winter. But, it will quickly bounce back in the spring with new growth.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. Pests include aphids, mites, scale, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil. Diseases include powdery mildew, rust, and root rot. These diseases can be controlled with fungicides. Nutrient deficiencies can be controlled with fertilizer.

Growing Tips

• Remember to water your Amur honeysuckle regularly, especially when the weather is hot and dry.
  
• Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  
• Fertilize your plant regularly using a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune your Amur honeysuckle regularly to encourage new growth and prevent it from getting too leggy.
  
• Place your plant in an area that receives full sun for best growth.
  
• Be sure to plant your Amur honeysuckle in well-draining soil.
  
• Protect your plant from strong winds, as they can damage its fragile branches.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if they appear.
  
• Harvest the flowers and leaves of your Amur honeysuckle regularly to encourage new growth.
  
• Enjoy the beautiful flowers and foliage of your Amur honeysuckle all

Alternative Plants

• American fly honeysuckle (Lonicera canadensis)
  
• American Honeysuckle (Lonicera canadensis)
  
• Forest honeysuckle (Lonicera obliqua)
  
• Fragrant honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima)
  
• Goldflame honeysuckle (Lonicera x heckrottii)
  
• Honeysuckle (Lonicera x bella)
  
• Honeysuckle (Lonicera x italica)
  
• Honeysuckle vine (Lonicera japonica)
  
• Lonicera x bella (honeysuckle)
  
• Showy fly honeysuckle (Lonicera showy)

Source:
Amur honeysuckle - MISIN
Amur Honeysuckle, Its Fall From Grace - Harvard University
Plant of the Week: Amur Honeysuckle - uaex.uada.edu