1. * Orange Honeysuckle – Lonicera ciliosa
(lon-ISS-er-a sil-ee-OH-suh )
Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family)
Native to: Pacific Northwest, from N. CA coast to British Columbia; north slopes, creek and river
banks other moist areas.
part-woody perennial vine
mature length: 10-15+ ft.
Perennial vine/shrub with a woody base and herbaceous new growth. Leaves are rounded, simple,
blue-green. Plants grow on the ground or sprawl over other plants –or can be trained to grow up a
trellis or other support. Winter-deciduous.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms late spring – usually May-June. Flower shape is typical trumpet shape of
the Honeysuckles. Flowers are large, bright orange, in terminal clusters on the branches. Very
showy in bloom. Equally attractive are bright-red berries that are favored by many bird species.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most often used as a native groundcover, but equally useful trained as a vine or
trailing over walls/fences. Excellent for habitat garden, particularly under pines – great for a woodsy
look.
Note: will ultimately strangle tree if grows up its trunk.
Good for mixed hedgerow or
hedge/screen. Berries are bitter but can be used in jellies/sauces. Stems were used for fiber by
native Californians.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Honeysuckles like Japanese Honeysuckle.
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides nectar for hummingbirds and berries for berry-eaters.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Part shade is best; excellent under trees with high/dappled shade. Dislikes hot
areas of the garden.
Any local; slightly acidic soils are fine.
Regular water (Zone 2-3 to 3); winter flooding is fine.
Organic mulch should suffice.
Management:
Prune as needed to train/contain in fall/winter.
Start training in first year.
Propagation: from seed: stored seed may need cold treatment by cuttings: easy, semi-soft wood
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 8
* CA native plant but not native to Western L.A. county
2/16/11
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