vine

Henry's Honeysuckle

The Story

Plant Bio

Lonicera acuminata, known as Henry's honeysuckle, is a vigorous evergreen to semi-evergreen twining vine native to forested regions of Asia. It climbs by wrapping its stems around supports, producing narrow, dark green leaves with fine hairs and a fresh, light green flush of new spring growth.

The tubular, funnel-shaped flowers emerge in summer, showing a distinct contrast between their purple-red exteriors and yellow interiors. These blossoms give way to small, dark blue-black berries that persist into the colder months, providing forage for local birds.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides dense, semi-evergreen vertical screening with contrasting purple-red and yellow summer flowers.

Quickly covers unsightly fences, walls, and sturdy garden structures with minimal training.

Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators, while the late-season berries feed local songbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

240"

Width

120"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Install a sturdy trellis, arbor, or wire support system before planting to accommodate the vine's vigorous climbing habit.
Plant in a location with full sun to partial shade, digging a hole twice the width of the root ball and backfilling with organic-rich loam.
Water deeply at the base immediately after planting, and maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season to establish the root system.
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring to support new growth, and mulch the root zone to retain soil moisture.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after the fall flowering ceases, cutting back to strong lateral buds; shearing indiscriminately into old, leafless woody stems often prevents new growth from emerging.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide a strong, permanent climbing structure early in the plant's development.
Mulch the root zone to keep the soil cool and retain consistent moisture.
Prune annually after flowering to manage size and remove tangled stems.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged, as the roots are highly sensitive to standing water.
Avoid heavy pruning into old, leafless wood unless undertaking a complete rejuvenation.
Do not plant near delicate structures that can be easily overwhelmed by vigorous twining stems.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Trellis climberArbor coverFoliage screenWildlife garden

Companion Plants

Clematis jackmanii Rosa Nepeta faassenii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Henry's Honeysuckle questions

What zones can Henry's Honeysuckle grow in?

Henry's Honeysuckle is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Henry's Honeysuckle deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Henry's Honeysuckle, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Henry's Honeysuckle bloom?

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

Does Henry's Honeysuckle need full sun?

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

Is Henry's Honeysuckle drought tolerant?

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