When you think of Honeysuckle (or *Lonicera*), you probably picture a massive vine sprawling over a garden fence. While the classic European Woodbine isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind for container gardening, you’d be surprised! There are actually several fast-growing varieties that do incredibly well in pots if you give them the right setup.
Which Honeysuckle is best for containers?
Technically, you can grow almost any variety in a pot, but I always recommend going with an evergreen type. Why? Because you get that lovely green privacy screen all year round! Just keep in mind that you’ll need to pick a location that suits your specific variety. For example, the Evergreen Honeysuckle (*Lonicera acuminata*) actually prefers a bit of a break from the sun, thriving in partial to full shade.
Tips for planting your Honeysuckle
Setting your plant up for success starts before it even hits the soil. First, pick a large, heavy pot—you’ll want something at least 16 inches deep so the roots have room to breathe. To keep things healthy, start with a drainage layer of gravel or broken terracotta pieces at the bottom, then fill it up with loose, nutrient-rich potting soil. And don’t forget: unless you want a tangled mess on the ground, you’ll need to provide a trellis or some kind of support for it to climb! Planting it right the first time makes all the difference.
How to care for potted Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle in a container is a bit more high-maintenance than its cousins in the ground. You’ll need to water it regularly to keep the soil moist and give it a little “snack” of fertilizer every three to four weeks during the growing season. In the spring, it’s a good idea to prune it back a bit. This keeps the plant from getting too “leggy” or bare at the bottom and encourages lush, bushy growth.
Winter care: Keeping it cozy
Most Honeysuckles are winter hardy, but that mostly applies to plants in the ground. When a plant is in a pot, its root ball is much more exposed to the freezing cold. To keep yours safe, you should either wrap the pot with burlap or bubble wrap for insulation or move it to a frost-free spot like a garage or shed until spring.
The Quick Essentials:
- Choose a large enough container.
- Always include a drainage layer at the bottom.
- Don’t forget a trellis or climbing support.
- Water and fertilize on a regular schedule.
- Protect the roots from frost during winter.
Pro Tip: Since Honeysuckle doesn’t have “suction cup” roots like ivy, it can’t stick to walls on its own. It’s a twining vine, not a self-clinging climbing plant, so it needs a structure it can wrap itself around to head skyward!
