Henry’s Honeysuckle

Named for Irish plant collector Augustine Henry, Lonicera henryi is a vigorous, woody, evergreen, climbing honeysuckle from western China. Downy stems carry glossy, deep green, pointed, elliptical leaves. In June and July, tubular, typical honeysuckle flowers in crimson and yellow are produced, followed in autumn by black berries. The flowers are attractive to pollinators. Henry’s honeysuckle needs support; it can be grown through a hedge or tied into a trellis against a wall. In the coldest areas, it may be semi-evergreen, losing some leaves in winter. Prune and thin after flowering.

Site: Tolerates exposure, including coastal exposure
Soil: Any fertile, moist but well-drained soil
Position: Best in partial shade; tolerates full sun
Season of interest: All year, summer in particular
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 26’ (8m) Spread: 39” (1m)