A vigorous twining climber valued for its intensely sweet-scented white flowers that age to yellow through summer. Beautiful and nectar-rich, but a declared environmental weed that smothers native vegetation.
At a glance
- Plant type: Climber
- Mature size: 9 m H × 5 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: high maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Japanese Honeysuckle
Lonicera japonica is a fast-growing climber in the Caprifoliaceae family. It reaches around 9 m tall and 5 m wide at maturity, with semi-deciduous foliage. White and yellow flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Japanese Honeysuckle
Japanese Honeysuckle suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Japanese Honeysuckle does best in loamy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 3 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Japanese Honeysuckle is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Japanese Honeysuckle after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is high maintenance.
Using Japanese Honeysuckle in the garden
Japanese Honeysuckle earns its place for its fragrance, a fast screen or informal hedge, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden and feeding bees and pollinators.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Japanese Honeysuckle with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew. It is thornless and easy to handle. Be aware it can self-seed or spread into bushland in some regions — check it is not a declared weed in your area before planting.
Buying Japanese Honeysuckle
Plant Sale lists Japanese Honeysuckle as potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.