Lonicera pileata
Privet Honeysuckle
Family |
Caprifolaceae |
Genus |
Lonicera |
Species |
pileata |
Category |
Woody |
Type |
Shrub (deciduous), Shrub (evergreen) |
USDA Hardiness Zone |
5-9 |
Canadian Hardiness Zone |
5a |
Temperature (°C) |
-28.8 |
Temperature (°F) |
-20 |
Height |
60-90 cm |
Spread |
180cm |
General Description |
Plant is partially evergreen with dark green foliage that lasts through the winter. Is best pruned after flowering in the spring because plant stems grow more horizontally. |
Landscape |
This shrub requires a lot of maintenance and care because of its horizontal stems. The plant tends to spread so pruning is advised in the late winter when the freezing temperatures have passed. This plant is great for ground cover and screening in your garden. |
Cultivation |
Part shade to full sun. pH range between 4.5 to 8 with soil mostly clay to mostly sand. |
Shape |
Flat and wide shrub. |
Growth |
Medium |
ID Characteristic |
The Privet Honeysuckle is a thick multi-stemmed shrub with stems that grow horizontally. It has dark green foliage and flowers in mid spring with a white flower which then turn into violet-blue berries in the summer. |
Pests |
There are a few infestations like aphids, scale insects, and fungi causing diseases such as blight. |
Habitat |
Will not tolerate standing water. It is capable of defending itself against environmental salt and does well in partial shade to full sun. |
Leaf Description |
Leaves are a glossy dark green and are opposite on the stem. |
Flower Description |
A small white funnel shaped flower that has a fragrance that attracts bees, birds, and butterflies. |
Fruit Description |
A small white funnel shaped flower that has a fragrance that attracts bees, birds, and butterflies. |
Colour Description |
This shrub has dark green leaves that last through the winter but in the late spring to early fall white flowers start to bloom. These white flowers then become translucent violet blue berries. |
Notable Specimens |
Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. |
Propagation |
Easy propagation method is by the cuttings taken in the early spring and fall. |