Maintenance Landscaping Design

Northern bush honeysuckle is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America. It is a member of the Caprifoliaceae family and is closely related to the southern bush honeysuckle (Lonicera flava). The northern bush honeysuckle can grow up to 6 feet tall and is characterized by its long, arching branches. Its leaves are oval-shaped and its flowers are white or yellow. The northern bush honeysuckle is a popular ornamental plant and is often used in landscaping.

Also called

• Wild Honeysuckle
  
• American Honeysuckle
  
• Canada Honeysuckle
  
• Fly Honeysuckle
  
• Bush Honeysuckle

Good to Know

• Northern bush honeysuckle is a native shrub to North America.
  
• It can be found in woodlands, forests, and along streams.
  
• The leaves of the bush are opposite each other on the stem.
  
• The leaves are ovate to lanceolate in shape and are dark green in color.
  
• The bush produces small, yellow flowers in the spring.
  
• The flowers are followed by small, red berries.
  
• The berries are toxic to humans and animals if ingested.
  
• Northern bush honeysuckle can be used for erosion control and as a ornamental plant.
  
• It can spread quickly and easily through seed dispersal.
  
• It is important to control the spread of this plant as it can easily take over an ecosystem.

Growing Steps

1. For northern bush honeysuckle, first step is to find a good location. Look for a spot in your yard that gets full sun to partial shade. This plant does best in rich, moist soil, so if you have an area that tends to be wet, this would be a good choice.
   
2. Once you have found a good location, clear away any debris from the area and turn the soil to loosen it up.
   
3. Next, you will need to gather your supplies. You will need some northern bush honeysuckle seedlings, a shovel, and some mulch.
   
4. Plant the seedlings about 18 inches apart. Use the shovel to dig a hole that is big enough for the roots of the seedling.
   
5. Gently place the seedling in the hole and fill it in with soil, pressing down lightly.
   
6. Water the seedlings well.
   
7. Spread a layer of mulch around the seedlings to help keep the soil moist and help prevent weeds from sprouting up.
   
8. Keep an eye on the seedlings and water them regularly.
   
9. In the fall, prune any dead or damaged branches.
   
10. Enjoy your beautiful northern bush honeysuckle plants!

Related plant:
Northern Catalpa

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the northern bush honeysuckle prefers well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils, but it is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions. It also does well in full sun to partial shade.

About light

Similar to other bush honeysuckle species, northern bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera) requires full sun to partial shade to thrive. That means it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, although it can tolerate up to eight hours of sun. This plant does best in well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH, but it is adaptable to other soil types as long as the drainage is good. Once established, northern bush honeysuckle is drought tolerant.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is most suitable for the growth of northern bush honeysuckle is a cool to moderate temperature. This plant is not tolerant of extreme heat or cold and will not grow well if the temperature is either too hot or too cold. For best results, grow northern bush honeysuckle in an area that receives partial sun to full shade and has a soil that is moist but well-drained.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity drops below 30%, the plant will start to experience stress. At this point, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity remains low, the plant will eventually die.

Fertilizer Requirement

For the fertilizer, usually the plant does not need a lot of extra nutrients. A good rule of thumb is to use one-half the recommended amount on the fertilizer package. If the plant is actively growing, you can fertilize every six weeks. When applying fertilizer, be sure to keep it away from the stem of the plant to avoid burning the bush. For the roots, the plant does not need a lot of extra space. The roots will only grow as big as the pot, so there is no need to repot the plant unless the pot becomes overcrowded.

Light requirement

Pruning northern bush honeysuckle (Lonicera X bella) is best done in late winter before new growth begins. You can use pruning shears to remove any dead or diseased stems, as well as any stems that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You should also prune any stems that are growing out of bounds. After pruning, you can give the plant a light shaping to help maintain its desired shape.

Plant Propagation

Propagation for northern bush honeysuckle is typically done through rooting of softwood cuttings taken from the current season's growth. The cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems, and each cutting should have at least two leaves. Cuttings should be placed in moist potting mix and kept in indirect light until new growth appears, at which point they can be transplanted to their permanent location.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is fast, however, it can be variable. The growth rate is affected by light, water and nutrients. The amount of light the plant receives affects how quickly it can photosynthesize and grow. The more light the plant receives, the faster it can grow. Plants that receive more water and nutrients will also grow faster than those that do not.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, scale, and Japanese beetle. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck on plant juices. They are often found in large numbers on the undersides of leaves. Scale are small, hard-bodied insects that also suck on plant juices. They are often found on the stems and leaves of plants. Japanese beetles are a type of beetle that feed on the leaves of plants.

Growing Tips

• Make sure to choose a planting site that has well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
  
• When planting, dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and only as deep as the root ball.
  
• Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down firmly.
  
• Water deeply immediately after planting.
  
• Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, making sure to keep it away from the stem.
  
• Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
  
• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced granular fertilizer.
  
• Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and control growth.
  
• Enjoy the fragrant trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in mid to late summer!
  
• Remember to give your plant a deep watering during extended periods of drought.

You May Like

• Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), northern bush honeysuckle's cousin
  
• Romneya coulteri, another yellow honeysuckle
  
• Moreton bay fig (Ficus macrophylla), the Australian relative of the banyan tree
  
• Bushnella longiflorum, a bushnella
  
• Deutzia scabra, a deciduous shrub with white flowers
  
• Hibiscus syriacus, the national flower of South Korea
  
• Hydrangea serrata, a species of hydrangea
  
• Illicium parviflorum, a member of the magnolia family
  
• Lindera obtusiloba, a species of lindera
  
• Philadelphus coronarius, a species of mock orange

Source:
Bush honeysuckle | Integrated Crop Management - Iowa State …
Invasives in Your Woodland: Bush Honeysuckles - UMD
Invasive Species Highlight: Bush Honeysuckles… Not for the Birds!