Summary
Lonicera henryi, also known as Henry's honeysuckle, is a species of honeysuckle that is native to China. It is a deciduous or evergreen climbing vine that can grow up to 30 feet long. The leaves are opposite, glossy, and dark green, and the plant produces fragrant, tubular flowers that are typically red, orange or yellow in color. The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer, and are followed by small, black berries that are attractive to birds.
Lonicera henryi is a popular garden plant and is often used for climbing walls, fences, and arbors. It is hardy, easy to grow, and tolerant of most soil types, but it does prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is also valued for its ornamental and ecological value, it is often used in wildlife gardens and as a naturalizing plant in woodlands and hedgerows. However, it can be invasive in some areas, so it is important to keep an eye on its growth and to prune it as necessary.
It is considered as an invasive species in some countries, because of its vigorous growth habit and ability to outcompete native plants. It is important to be aware of the local regulations before planting this species, and to consider non-invasive alternatives.
Blog
Henry's Honeysuckle, also known as Lonicera henryi, is a beautiful and vigorous climber that is native to western China. It is named after Augustine Henry, an Irish physician and plant collector who first discovered the plant in the late 19th century. This honeysuckle is a popular choice among gardeners because of its striking foliage and fragrant flowers, which are a favorite among hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Appearance and Growth Habits
Henry's Honeysuckle is a deciduous, woody vine that can grow up to 30 feet long. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, and grow up to 4 inches in length. The plant produces beautiful, trumpet-shaped flowers that are pink or yellowish in color, and grow in clusters of two or three. The flowers bloom from late spring to early summer and are followed by small, black berries.
This honeysuckle is a vigorous grower and requires a sturdy support system to climb on. It can be trained to grow on trellises, arbors, or fences. It is also suitable for growing on walls, where it can be used to create a beautiful green backdrop.
Growing Conditions
Henry's Honeysuckle thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It is also relatively drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.
Propagation
Henry's Honeysuckle can be propagated by stem cuttings taken in the summer. Cut a stem that is at least 6 inches long and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. Keep the cutting moist and out of direct sunlight until it roots, which usually takes 3-4 weeks.
Uses in Landscaping
Henry's Honeysuckle is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. Its attractive foliage and beautiful flowers make it an excellent choice for climbing up a trellis or wall, where it can provide shade and privacy. It can also be used as a ground cover or as a container plant.
In addition to its aesthetic qualities, Henry's Honeysuckle is also an important plant for wildlife. Its flowers are a favorite among hummingbirds and other pollinators, and its berries provide food for birds in the fall.
In conclusion, Henry's Honeysuckle is a beautiful and versatile plant that is a favorite among gardeners. Its attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, and importance to wildlife make it an excellent addition to any garden or landscape. If you are looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant that can add beauty and interest to your outdoor space, consider planting Henry's Honeysuckle.
Facts about Henry's Honeysuckle
Here are some additional facts and tips about Henry's Honeysuckle:
-
Henry's Honeysuckle is a hardy plant that can tolerate cold temperatures down to -20°F, making it suitable for growing in USDA zones 4-8.
-
This honeysuckle is a non-invasive plant, which means it does not pose a threat to native plant species like some other invasive honeysuckle varieties do.
-
Henry's Honeysuckle is a great plant for attracting wildlife to your garden. In addition to hummingbirds and other pollinators, it can also attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.
-
To encourage bushier growth and more blooms, prune Henry's Honeysuckle in early spring before new growth appears. Cut back the previous year's growth to two or three buds.
-
While Henry's Honeysuckle is a low-maintenance plant, it may require some occasional pruning to keep it from getting too unruly. If you notice it getting out of control, simply cut back the excess growth to the desired size.
-
Henry's Honeysuckle is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to aphids, which can be treated with a soapy water solution.
-
In Chinese traditional medicine, Henry's Honeysuckle is used to treat various ailments, including fever, colds, and inflammation.
Overall, Henry's Honeysuckle is a beautiful and beneficial plant that can add interest and diversity to any garden or landscape. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this hardy and easy-to-grow plant is sure to please.
Blog continued...
Henry's Honeysuckle, also known as Lonicera henryi, is a deciduous, woody vine that is native to western China. This honeysuckle is named after Augustine Henry, an Irish physician and plant collector who first discovered the plant in the late 19th century. The plant is a popular choice among gardeners due to its striking foliage and fragrant flowers, which are a favorite among hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Henry's Honeysuckle is a vigorous grower that requires a sturdy support system to climb on. It can be trained to grow on trellises, arbors, or fences, and is also suitable for growing on walls, where it can be used to create a beautiful green backdrop. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It is also relatively drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.
Propagation of Henry's Honeysuckle can be done by stem cuttings taken in the summer. Cut a stem that is at least 6 inches long and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. Keep the cutting moist and out of direct sunlight until it roots, which usually takes 3-4 weeks.
Henry's Honeysuckle is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. Its attractive foliage and beautiful flowers make it an excellent choice for climbing up a trellis or wall, where it can provide shade and privacy. It can also be used as a ground cover or as a container plant. The plant is an important plant for wildlife, with its flowers being a favorite among hummingbirds and other pollinators, and its berries providing food for birds in the fall.
To encourage bushier growth and more blooms, prune Henry's Honeysuckle in early spring before new growth appears. Cut back the previous year's growth to two or three buds. The plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but may be susceptible to aphids, which can be treated with a soapy water solution.
In Chinese traditional medicine, Henry's Honeysuckle is used to treat various ailments, including fever, colds, and inflammation. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate cold temperatures down to -20°F, making it suitable for growing in USDA zones 4-8. Overall, Henry's Honeysuckle is a beautiful and beneficial plant that can add interest and diversity to any garden or landscape.
Video
Henry's Honeysuckle filmed at Upper Slaughter in the Cotswolds on the 24th June 2023.
Music credits
Frost Waltz (Alternate) by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100531
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
Please remember to Like and Subscribe to the WildFlowerWeb YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@wildflower-web
Wild Flower Web