Lonicera japonica

Common Name:
Japanese Honeysuckle

Description:
Lonicera japonica, commonly known as Japanese Honeysuckle, is a vigorous, semi-evergreen to evergreen twining climber renowned for its sweetly fragrant, tubular flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. The blossoms open white and gradually turn yellow, often appearing in pairs along the stems. Following the flowering period, the plant produces small, glossy black berries. Its lush, dark green foliage provides an attractive backdrop throughout the growing season. In Melbourne's climate, Japanese Honeysuckle thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. It is ideal for covering fences, trellises, or pergolas, and can also serve as a ground cover. However, due to its rapid growth and potential to become invasive, regular pruning and maintenance are essential to keep it under control.

Form:

• Climber

• Ground Cover

• Shrub – Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:

• Height: up to 10 m

• Width: 2–3 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Late Spring

• Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:

• White turning to Yellow

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots

• Bee Attracting

• Bird Attracting

• Perennial

• Suitable for Trellises and Pergolas

• Low Maintenance

• Fast Growing

• Fragrant Flowers

• Decorative Berries

• Drought Tolerant (once established)

Toxicity:

• Mildly toxic if ingested; may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in humans and pets

• Contact with sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals

Companion Plants:

• Rosa spp. (Climbing Roses)

• Clematis montana

• Wisteria sinensis (Chinese Wisteria)

• Jasminum officinale (Common Jasmine)

• Passiflora caerulea (Blue Passionflower)