Lonicera maackii

Lonicera maackii (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to full shade

Flowering period: Spring to early summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 6m

Eventual Spread: 6m

Hardiness: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Lonicera maackii is a deciduous shrub with a bushy habit. Its mid green leaves leaves are ovate to lanceolate with an entire margin, up to 9cm long and 4cm broad. Its cream to yellow fragrant flowers are tubular, up to 2cm long, produced in pairs, and appeared in clusters. Its bright red/ black fruit are spherical and up to 6mm across.

Lonicera maackii Flower (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Lonicera maackii, commonly known as Amur Honeysuckle or Bush Honeysuckle, is native to north and west China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia and south Russia. It has naturalised in New Zealand and east USA as this plant is readily dispersed by bird who eat its seed. It is considered an invasive species and is controlled in a number of states in the USA.

The etymological root of the binomial name Lonicera is derived from the name of Adam Lonicer, a German naturalist from the 16th century. Maackii is derived from the name of Richard Maack (1825 – 1886), a Russian naturalist.

Lonicera maackii Leaf (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

The landscape architect may find Lonicera maackii useful as a woodland understory plant. It also forms an effective hedge when clipped. Once established this shrub is drought tollerant.

Ecologically, Lonicera maackii flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. Its seeds are attractive to birds.

Lonicera maackii Bark (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Lonicera maackii prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.

Lonicera maackii requires little maintenance. If maintaining as a hedge, pruning should be carried out after flowering.