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Few plants are as beloved by our pollinators as honeysuckle. Vining and perennial, it will provide your garden with years of color and hummingbird habitat. Learn how to plant, grow, and care for honeysuckle.

About Honeysuckle Vines and Shrubs

Honeysuckles belong to the genus Lonicera and are native to North America, Europe, and Asia, with about 180 identified species. They are characterized by long, trumpet-shaped flowers in bright red, yellow, and orange colors, most with yellow centers. However, some cultivars have whitish or cream-colored flowers. 

Blooms are in clusters of 2 or more flowers at the end of the stem. Some are fragrant, while others are nearly scentless. 

Honeysuckles can be shrubby or climbing and vining and are easily trained to climb up a trellis or other support. You may hear them called “woodbine” as well. 

They’re often planted to cover unsightly walls and create privacy screens and beautiful flowered arbors. A patio with a pergola can be shaded by a honeysuckle, making it an excellent spot for an afternoon nap. They can also be left to trail along the ground. 

Habitat for Pollinators

Some non-natives, like Japanese honeysuckle (L. japonica), are aggressive and invasive. However, native honeysuckles are an essential food source for many Lepidoptera species.

In addition to providing nectar and pollen, the plants are critical larval hosts for species like the , which mimics the look of a giant bumblebee. 
Honeysuckles make fruit in the fall. Their berries are valued as food by songbirds and small mammals.

Avoid the Invasives

In some regions of North America, invasive honeysuckles have become a considerable problem. They can choke out native trees and cover large patches of land with nearly impenetrable ground cover. Their spread is aided by the birds who feast on the fruit and then drop the seeds in new locations. 

To avoid unintentionally causing an infestation, avoid planting these commonly available species:

• Japanese honeysuckle – Lonicera japonica
• Morrow’s honeysuckle – Lonicera morrowii
• Amur honeysuckle – Lonicera maackii
• Bell’s honeysuckle – Lonicera x bella

Several other Lonicera sp. are also considered invasive based on your location. Search online for “Lonicera + invasive species + your state’s name.” Here is an example of a site found with an . Your state likely maintains a list to help people avoid inadvertently planting and spreading invasives.