Even though the honeysuckle family is incredibly diverse, with about 180 different species out there, these plants actually share quite a few common traits. From their leaf shapes to where they like to hang out in your garden, knowing these basics makes planting them a total breeze.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Most honeysuckles and bush honeysuckles love a bright spot. They’re happiest in full sun or partial shade, though many varieties are tough enough to handle deeper shade too. If you’re planting the classic European Honeysuckle (Woodbine), here’s a pro tip: it blooms best when its “feet” (the root ball) are kept cool and shaded, while its “head” (the vines) gets to soak up the sunshine.
Getting the Soil Just Right
When it comes to dirt, different species can be a little picky in their own ways. The popular Perfoliate Honeysuckle loves soil that stays fresh and consistently moist. On the other hand, Boxleaf Honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida) prefers things a bit drier and doesn’t mind a sandier soil mix. If you’re looking for a real “plant it and forget it” option, the Fly Honeysuckle (Lonicera xylosteum) is a champ—it’ll thrive in almost any soil you give it.
Planting and Care
No matter which variety you choose, start by digging a hole that’s about 1.5 to 2 times the size of the root ball or the nursery pot. While you’re digging, let the plant sit in a bucket of water so the roots can get a good drink.
If you have some well-aged compost on hand, toss a bit into the hole. This gives the plant a nice nutrient boost and saves you from having to fertilize for the first few weeks. Set your honeysuckle in, fill the hole back up with soil, and give it a thorough watering. And don’t forget: if you’ve picked a climbing variety, make sure you have a trellis or support ready for it to grab onto!
Honeysuckles also do great in containers. Just remember that the climbers will still need a support system, and make sure your pot has excellent drainage. These plants hate “wet feet” (standing water), so drainage is key!
Your Step-by-Step Planting Guide:
- Pick the right spot for your specific variety.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Soak the plant in water for about 10 minutes before planting.
- Mix in some compost or organic fertilizer if you have it.
- Set the plant in the hole.
- Fill it back in with soil.
- Give it a generous watering.
Quick Tip: Most honeysuckles are very hardy, so you can get them in the ground quite early in the spring.
