Perfoliate honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium)

Also known as: Italian honeysuckle, Perfoliate woodbine

The shrub you're referring to is likely the Perfoliate Honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium). This deciduous plant can reach up to 6 meters in height. It features clusters of fragrant flowers that bloom from spring to summer, drawing in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. In the fall, it produces orange-red berries. It thrives in partial shade but can also handle full sun. Ideal for growing along fences, arbors, or trellises, but be cautious as it can become invasive.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Perfoliate honeysuckle

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Vine

Plant Height

1 m to 2 m

Spread

6 m

Leaf Color

Green Blue

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

White Pink Yellow Cream

Images of Perfoliate honeysuckle

Quickly Identify Perfoliate honeysuckle

Identify Lonicera caprifolium by its perfoliate leaves, meaning the stem appears to pierce through the leaf. Look for tubular, highly fragrant flowers and red berries in the fall. The twining nature of the vine is also a key characteristic.

Scientific Classification of Perfoliate honeysuckle

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Dipsacales

Family

Honeysuckle

Genus

Honeysuckles

Species

Perfoliate honeysuckle

Planting and Growing of Perfoliate honeysuckle

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Perfoliate honeysuckle?

Lonicera caprifolium requires moderate watering, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. It is crucial to allow the top inch of soil to dry before the next watering. This balance helps prevent root rot while providing adequate moisture for vigorous growth.

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Perfoliate honeysuckle?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours daily

Lonicera caprifolium prefers a range from partial to full sunlight, approximately 6 to 8 hours of light daily. This range ensures healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Perfoliate honeysuckle?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Lonicera caprifolium thrives best within a temperature range of 60°F to 75°F. This range supports healthy physiological processes such as photosynthesis and respiration, ensuring robust growth and vibrant flowers. Maintaining temperatures within this ideal range allows the plant to allocate resources effectively, promoting an optimal balance between vegetative growth and flowering.

What Soil is Best for Perfoliate honeysuckle?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Lonicera caprifolium thrives in nutrient-rich soils where it can absorb essential nutrients for vigorous growth. Such conditions promote vibrant foliage and abundant flowering, offering a lush aesthetic appeal. This plant demands well-drained soil to prevent root rot, which ensures robust health and longevity. Adequate drainage facilitates healthy root development, which is crucial for optimal nutrient and water uptake. While it requires moisture at the roots, the soil should remain aerated to avoid waterlogging. This balance supports constant hydration and prevents oxygen deprivation, critical for root health and growth.

How to Fertilize Perfoliate honeysuckle?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Lonicera caprifolium, apply a balanced fertilizer at a concentration of 20-10-20 at a rate of 1 tablespoon per gallon of water for liquid fertilizers. With solid fertilizers, use approximately 1 teaspoon per plant per application. Avoid over-fertilization as this plant requires moderate nutrients.

How to Prune Perfoliate honeysuckle?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Begin by removing any dead or damaged branches. This not only improves the plant's appearance but also helps to prevent disease. Trim back any overgrown branches to manage the plant size. This helps maintain a neat appearance and prevents the plant from overtaking other garden areas. Cut stems just above a pair of leaves or buds to encourage bushier growth. This helps the plant stay healthy and promotes more abundant flowering. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Perfoliate honeysuckle plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Early summer

Choose a healthy section of the plant that is free from diseases and pests. Look for a young, non-flowering shoot as this increases the chances of rooting successfully.

Cut the shoot at a 45-degree angle, ideally 4-6 inches long, and remove the lower leaves. This allows for better absorption of water and nutrients, and reduces water loss.

Dip the cut end into rooting hormone before planting it in a pot filled with a suitable soil mix. Ensure it is firmed in well to support the cutting, and water gently.

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How to Repot Perfoliate honeysuckle plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Lonicera caprifolium typically signals the need for repotting when roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes or the plant appears root-bound. Another indicator is a noticeable slowdown in growth despite adequate watering and fertilizing. Repotting should ideally be done in early spring or autumn to minimize stress on the plant.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one, with good drainage holes. This prevents water from stagnating and causing root rot. A slightly larger pot provides the roots with ample space to grow, ensuring healthy plant development.

Opt for a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. This type of soil will help maintain moisture without becoming waterlogged, promoting healthy root growth. A mix with perlite or sand can improve drainage and aeration, preventing potential root diseases.

Toxicity of Perfoliate honeysuckle

Is Perfoliate honeysuckle toxic to humans?

Perfoliate honeysuckle presents a low toxicity hazard to humans, potentially resulting in allergic reactions. Interaction with any part of this plant can lead to skin irritation, whereas consuming it may cause more severe symptoms. The whole plant, encompassing leaves, stems, and berries, is deemed toxic. In the event of accidental consumption, individuals might suffer gastrointestinal distress, which could include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is essential to exercise caution when near perfoliate honeysuckle, particularly for those with known allergies, to avert accidental poisoning via touch or ingestion.

Is Perfoliate honeysuckle toxic to cat?

Perfoliate honeysuckle carries a slight risk of toxicity for cats. Cats can be exposed to the plant's toxins through eating or skin contact, as every part of the plant is harmful. Symptoms of poisoning in cats can include various signs of physical discomfort, necessitating prompt veterinary care. It is crucial for cat owners to vigilantly observe their pets and restrict their access to perfoliate honeysuckle to safeguard their health and welfare.

Is Perfoliate honeysuckle toxic to dog?

Perfoliate honeysuckle is recognized for its mild toxicity in dogs. This plant can cause poisoning in canines through skin exposure or accidental ingestion. All parts of the plant, including its leaves, stems, and flowers, possess toxic properties that can endanger dogs. Should a dog come into contact with or ingest any section of the perfoliate honeysuckle, it may show symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially more serious reactions depending on the quantity consumed. It is vital for dog owners to keep a close watch on their pets and restrict access to perfoliate honeysuckle. If poisoning is suspected, seeking immediate veterinary assistance is crucial to safeguard the affected animal's health.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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