Can Honeysuckle Vines Grow in the Shade?



Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) Vines and shrubs are loved by gardeners for their quick growth and attractively scented blossoms. These plants develop reliably in temperate gardens in which their blooms attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Even though some species of honeysuckle require full sun to thrive, many species may be employed to fill in that partially shaded place in the garden.

Light Requirements

Most species of honeysuckle have lighting conditions which range from full sun to part shade. This means honeysuckle will grow well in any area of the garden except complete shade, but doesn’t tell the entire story. Honeysuckle grow best in areas in which their roots stay shaded and cool and also their leaf receives some sunlight. This sunlight may be dappled light through a couple hours of daytime or evening sun with shade the rest of the day. Few species of honeysuckle can tolerate blaring sun all day long without suffering leaf burn or overheated roots.

Shady Choices

Of the numerous species of honeysuckle which will succeed in partial shade, some are known to thrive in low light conditions. Orange honeysuckle (L. ciliosa) is indigenous to North American forests in which it rises as a somewhat shaded understory plant. Chaparral honeysuckle (L. interrupta) and California honeysuckle (L. hispidula) are just two California natives which may grow in partial shade. Other North American honeysuckles that may fill out your partially shaded garden comprise trumpet honeysuckle (L. sempervirens), twin berry (L. involucrata) and yellow honeysuckle (L. flava).

Shade Problems

The less lighting your honeysuckle plant receives, the fewer blossoms it will produce, but it will have a tendency to have denser foliage. Honeysuckles implanted in shade also have more trouble with aphid infestations, especially on new growth. Because of honeysuckle’s fast growth, the aphids do not tend to do much damage, but they can spread into other, even more vulnerable plants in your garden. Avoid putting honeysuckle in shady places which are also moist. Even though honeysuckle prefer moist soil, soggy conditions may lead to root rot and mildew issues.

Invasive Honeysuckles

Several honeysuckles that originate from Asia grow aggressively and can escape gardens. These crops then push out native plants in wild locations. One instance of these aggressive plants is Japanese honeysuckle (L. japonica), that has been declared invasive in several states. Even though the California Invasive Plant Council has not put honeysuckle on its own invasive species list, Japanese honeysuckle is on its own watch list as possibly invasive. When shopping for a honeysuckle, elect for species which are indigenous to North America.

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