Of the some 175 different kinds of honeysuckles grown in the United States today, the tatarian honeysuckle, Lonicera tatarica, is one of the most valuable invasive as an ornamental. True, it does not have the very large flowers of some species, but it grows vigorously and is perfectly hardy in all sections of the United States except in the very coldest part of the Midwest.
First Spring Woody To Show Its Leaves
The tatarian honeysuckle develops into a dense shrub about 9 feet tall. In early spring it is one of the first woody plants to show its leaves, certainly a desirable trait. Its very fragrant flowers, which are pink to white and about an inch in diameter, are borne profusely in late May. Soft, fleshy, bright red berries smaller than a pea begin to appear the latter part of June and last through July and into August. These berries are particularly sought after by birds because they ripen at a time when birds are beginning to look around for fresh fruit. Sometimes they are borne so profusely the branches literally bend to the ground. But the most important thing about this shrub’s fruiting habit is that an abundant crop of berries is produced every single year. Not all shrubs flower and fruit profusely year in and year out regardless of the vagaries of the weather, but this one does and so can he considered one of the most dependably serviceable of all shrubs.
Easily Transplanted
Being bushy in habit, Lonicera tatarica is easily transplanted and takes all kinds of pruning and shearing, even a severe cutting to the ground. Because it will grow in almost any kind of soil and does not become seriously infested with disease or insect pests, it is classed as one of the low-maintenance plants. It is also quite tolerant of wind and shade, withstanding the latter as well as most plants in this category. although it naturally flowers and fruits more heavily in full sun. Seashore situations don’t seem to mar its beauty, and it can also be expected to do well in the city.
Introduced from its native habitat of southern Russia about 1752, it has taken to this country so well that in many places it is becoming naturalized. Its extreme hardiness, together with its dense habit have classed it as an invasive plant. Consider the plants below as “Native Alternatives”.
- Cornus amomum (silky dogwood)
- Cornus racemosa (gray dogwood)
- Cornus sericea (redosier dogwood)
- Ilex decidua (possumhaw)
- Ilex verticillata (common winterberry)
- Lindera benzoin (northern spicebush)
- Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle)
- Lonicera involucrata (twinberry honeysuckle)
- Photinia melanocarpa (black chokeberry)
- Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis (common elderberry)
- Sambucus racemosa (red elderberry)
- Viburnum acerifolium (mapleleaf viburnum)
- Viburnum dentatum (southern arrowwood)
