Also known as Honeysuckle · 1.3k saves
Lonicera
Lonicera, the genus most gardeners know as honeysuckle. We track 30 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Lonicera varieties
See all 30 Lonicera varieties →Search this genus →
13 species of Lonicera
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Lonicera in Sow
Save the Lonicera you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Lonicera
Whats common across all Lonicera varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 30 most-grown of them.
The Lonicera year
- PruneMarch and July100% of varieties
Cut back heavily in late winter to manage size and encourage new growth
- FertilizeApril60% of varieties
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring
- Check for PestsMay–July60% of varieties
Monitor new growth closely for aphids.
- MulchApril47% of varieties
Apply 2-3 inches of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- PlantApril, May, October and November43% of varieties
Plant bare root in late winter or container plants in spring/fall
Do
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering 🌞
- Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
- Mulch the base of the plant to keep roots cool.
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not prune in late fall or winter
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Lonicera
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap organically or use neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaves | Apply insecticidal soap and increase humidity |
| Scale insects | Small, waxy bumps on stems and branches accompanied by reduced vigor. | Apply dormant oil in late winter or prune out heavily infested branches. |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on branch tips and stippled, yellowing foliage under hot, dry conditions. | Increase humidity around the plant and spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Increase air circulation and apply organic fungicide |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if necessary |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing foliage and decaying roots in wet soil. | Ensure soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering. |
Making more Lonicera
Layering
- Choose a low-growing vine branch
- Bury a section of stem in soil while still attached to the parent plant
- Secure with a pin or stone
- Water regularly and wait 6-8 weeks for root formation
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood stems in late summer
- Cut 4-6 inch sections with clean shears
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist potting mix
- Keep in bright, indirect light for 6 weeks until roots develop
Lonicera questions
How many types of Lonicera are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 30 distinct Lonicera varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1.3k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Lonicera grow in?
Across its varieties, Lonicera covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Lonicera bloom?
Most Lonicera varieties bloom in late spring, summer, late spring to fall, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Lonicera should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.