Blue-leaf honeysuckle (Lonicera korolkowii)

Also known as: Korolkow's Honeysuckle

Weigela is a deciduous shrub recognized for its trumpet-shaped, pinkish-violet flowers adorned with prominent yellow stamens. It features green foliage and thrives in well-drained soils, often flourishing in sunny locations. Blooming from late spring to early summer, Weigela attracts bees and butterflies, making it a favorite among pollinators.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Blue-leaf honeysuckle

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters)

Spread

4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters)

Leaf Color

Green, turning yellow in autumn

Flower Size

1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 centimeters)

Flower Color

Pink to white

Images of Blue-leaf honeysuckle

Quickly Identify Blue-leaf honeysuckle

This plant can be identified by its opposite, elliptic to lanceolate leaves, and its pink to white tubular flowers. The flowers are usually followed by red or orange berries, which are a distinguishing feature.

Scientific Classification of Blue-leaf honeysuckle

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Honeysuckles, moschatels and allies

Family

Honeysuckle

Genus

Honeysuckles

Species

Blue-leaf honeysuckle

Planting and Growing of Blue-leaf honeysuckle

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 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 Blue-leaf honeysuckle?

The watering amount for Lonicera korolkowii should be sufficient to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. A general guide is to water around 500 ml each time, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to reach the deep roots. It's important to check that the top inch of soil is dry before watering again.

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Blue-leaf honeysuckle?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Lonicera korolkowii flourishes under partial sun environments. This condition fosters optimal growth and blooming, balancing daily light needs with protective shading to maintain leaf health and vitality.

What is the best light condition for Lonicera korolkowii? ›

How can I ensure it receives ideal lighting indoors? ›

Why is it important to maintain ideal lighting? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Blue-leaf honeysuckle?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Lonicera korolkowii thrives best within a temperature range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This range provides optimal conditions for photosynthesis, growth, and flowering, supporting overall plant vitality. Maintaining these temperatures ensures the plant can efficiently uptake nutrients and water, facilitating robust growth and high resistance to pests and diseases.

What Soil is Best for Blue-leaf honeysuckle?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Lonicera korolkowii thrives in well-draining soil, preventing waterlogged roots which can lead to root rot. This condition enhances its growth and supports a healthier plant overall. This plant requires soil that retains moisture but not excessively, ensuring optimal hydration without risk of fungal diseases. This balance supports its lush foliage and flowering capability. Rich soil with ample organic matter provides essential nutrients, aiding in robust growth, vibrant leaf color, and increased resistance to pests and diseases.

How to Fertilize Blue-leaf honeysuckle?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Lonicera korolkowii, commonly known as Korolkow's Honeysuckle, thrives when provided with a balanced approach to fertilization. It benefits from a moderate amount of nutrients, so applying about half the recommended amount specified on the fertilizer label is often ideal. Over-fertilization should be avoided, as it can lead to excessive growth at the expense of flowering.

How to Prune Blue-leaf honeysuckle?

Pruning Time: Spring, Autumn

Start by removing any dead or damaged wood to prevent disease. This encourages healthy new growth and gives the plant a tidy appearance. Trim back longer branches slightly to maintain the desired shape of the shrub. This not only neaten the plant but also promotes denser growth. When pruning, thin out the inner growth to improve air circulation within the shrub. This helps reduce the risk of fungal infections. Be cautious not to over-prune as it can stress the plant. Aim to remove no more than a third of the plant's total growth at one time. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Blue-leaf honeysuckle plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring, Late spring, Early summer

Fill seed trays with a mix of peat and perlite to provide a well-draining environment. Lightly water the mix and allow it to sit, ensuring adequate moisture before seeds are planted.

Select healthy stems from the parent plant and make a clean cut using pruning shears. Ensure each cutting is about 4-6 inches long and remove the lower leaves to expose nodes.

Bend a low-growing stem to the ground and cover a portion with soil, leaving the tip exposed. Secure it with a U-shaped wire to encourage rooting, monitoring moisture levels regularly.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Blue-leaf honeysuckle plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Lonicera korolkowii should be repotted when you notice its roots circling the bottom of the pot, a clear sign that it's becoming root-bound. The best time to do this is in spring or autumn, when the plant is not in active bloom, ensuring minimal stress on the plant.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current pot with adequate drainage holes. Using a slightly larger pot prevents waterlogging while allowing roots more room to grow, promoting healthier development and better hydration balance.

The ideal soil for Lonicera korolkowii should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Such soil prevents root rot by ensuring water does not accumulate at the bottom of the pot, while providing the necessary nutrients for robust growth.