shrub

Amur Honeysuckle

The Story

Plant Bio

Lonicera maackii is a large, deciduous shrub native to eastern Asia, characterized by an upright, multi-stemmed habit with arching branches. The opposite, dark green leaves emerge exceptionally early in spring and persist late into winter, often shading out surrounding understory vegetation.

In late spring, the shrub produces pairs of highly fragrant, tubular white flowers that fade to a pale yellow before developing into small, bright red berries. While historically planted for conservation and hedging, it is now recognized as a highly aggressive, invasive species across much of North America.

Uses & Benefits:

Fragrant white-to-yellow spring flowers followed by persistent bright red autumn berries.

Extremely tough and adaptable to poor soils, compaction, and drought once established.

Provides nectar for bees and nesting cover for birds, though the berries offer poor nutritional value compared to native species.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

216"

Width

144"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Far eastern Asia

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a location with full sun to partial shade and average, well-drained soil.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Prune immediately after flowering to shape the canopy or control spread.
Monitor surrounding areas for volunteer seedlings sprouted from bird-dispersed seeds.

Pro Tip

Cutting mature stems back without applying a systemic herbicide stump-treatment triggers rapid, dense multi-stem re-sprouting from the crown.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune immediately after the flowering cycle to manage size.
Improve soil drainage if planting in heavy clay to prevent root rot.
Use systemic herbicide on cut stumps if attempting to eradicate established specimens.

Don't

Do not plant this species near natural woodlands or open conservation areas.
Avoid routine light shearing, which promotes dense, twiggy outer growth and bare interiors.
Do not apply heavy fertilizers, as the plant thrives and spreads aggressively in poor soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Prune
Spring Cleanup
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Invasive - Avoid PlantingHedge (Historical)Erosion Control (Historical)

Companion Plants

Viburnum prunifolium Lindera benzoin Amelanchier arborea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Amur Honeysuckle questions

What zones can Amur Honeysuckle grow in?

Amur Honeysuckle is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Amur Honeysuckle deer resistant?

Yes — Amur Honeysuckle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Amur Honeysuckle bloom?

Amur Honeysuckle typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Amur Honeysuckle need full sun?

Amur Honeysuckle does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Amur Honeysuckle drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Amur Honeysuckle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.