Information about Lonicera hispidula

1. Pink Honeysuckle – Lonicera hispidula var. vacillans
(lon-ISS-er-a his-PID-yoo-la VAS-i-lans)
Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family)
Native to: Much of CA to OR, WA; in canyons, streamsides, woodlands below 3000', chaparral.
Growth characteristics: woody perennial vine mature length: 5-18 ft. Spreading or
climbing vine with small, oval fuzzy leaves. Foliage turns bronze/purple in winter.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms Apr-Jul. Large pink-white flowers in whorls. Showy and fragrant. Hummingbird
pollinated. Red edible (but tart) berries in fall are also showy.
Uses in the garden: Excellent as ground cover, bank cover or climber in natural gardens. Good for
covering fences (with support) and for shaded areas. Nice fragrance & good habitat plant. Pretty choice
over an arbor or climbing up a trellis. Plant where you can enjoy sweet-scented flowers.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native woody vines, including invasive non-native honeysuckles.
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides nectar for hummingbirds; cover and berries for food. Also
good nectar source for bees and butterflies.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to shade; probably best in part-shade
Soil Any texture including clays; pH 5-7 best
Water Moderate to no summer water once established. Can tolerate seasonal flooding.
Fertilizer Low
Other Best in well-drained soils
Management: Can be invasive in wet sites. Prune to manage. Needs support to climb. Host for
Phytophthora ramorum (Sudden Oak Death).
Propagation: from seed: yes; may require soaking, cold treatment by cuttings: hard- or semi-
softwood in summer/fall.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 5, 8, 11, 13, 14, 19, 20, 24, 27 2/21/11
© Project SOUND

2. Lonicera hispidula
Purple (Hairy) honeysuckle