Henry’s honeysuckle (Lonicera acuminata) is a tropical vine that is frequently visited by butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Its climbing nature makes it a great wall plant for attracting wildlife into ornamental gardens. In the Philippines, the plant’s sturdy stems are used as bindings in the construction of fences.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Lonicera acuminata, commonly known as fragrant grove honeysuckle or vine honeysuckle, is a plant species of honeysuckle native to China to Southeast Asia and India.
Lonicera acuminata grows as a several meters high, semi-evergreen and fast-growing lignifying vine. The branches, petioles and peduncles are mostly hairy. The branches usually become hollow.
The opposite or sometimes 3-whorled, simple leaves are short-stalked and with entire margins. The more or less hirsute (especially on the midvein) to bare, leathery leaves with often somewhat ciliate edges measure 2.5 to 13 centimeters in length and 1.3 to 4.5 centimeters in width. They are ovoid to -lanceolate or obovate to inverted lanceolate, pointed to rounded and often slightly cordate toward the short 2 to 15 millimeter long stem and acuminate to caudate at the apex. To reduce the evaporation rate, the leaves can also get rolled in slightly.
The hermaphroditic, narrowly funnelform, five-petalled and reddish to purple or yellow flowers with a dichlamydeous perianth usually grow in stalked pairs, more rarely in small panicles, axillary at the branch apices. They have both bracts and bracteoles. The small calyx is pitcher-shaped with small teeth and the corolla is double-lipped, with a recurved, tongue-shaped lower lip.
The long corolla tube is more or less hairy inside. The ovary is inferior with a long, firm, more or less hairy style with a large, head-like stigma. The five filaments are about as long as the corolla and are partly hairy in the lower part. Nectaries are present.
The plants bloom flagrantly between May and July and in October and November they bear 4-6 millimeters large, roundish to ovoid, pruinose and blue-black, smooth berries with several seeds and calyx remains at the top. The seeds are ellipsoid to elongated and somewhat compressed.
The nectar attracts insects and hummingbirds, the berry-fruits birds. The plants can be affected by powdery mildew, aphids and thrips. The species is used for insect- and bird-friendly green walls. Its stems are used in the Philippines as a binding material in fence construction. It can also be propagated via cuttings, in which use of the plant hormone 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT1) improves rooting.
II. How to Grow and Care
Henry’s honeysuckle is a robust climbing shrub appreciated for its vibrant foliage and fragrant flowers. Key care requirements include providing support for its climbing habit and ensuring well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Special attention should be given to pruning, which is essential to maintain shape and promote the vigorous growth of henry’s honeysuckle. Due to its resilience and low maintenance needs, this plant is generally easy to care for.
Sunlight
Henry’s honeysuckle likes sufficient sunlight, so plant them where they can receive long lengths of light exposure time. This way they will thrive, growing denser branches and leaves and blooming in brighter colors. If they are planted in shady areas, the branches and leaves of henry’s honeysuckle will be more sparse and have fewer flowers and fruits. However, note that when the temperature is high and the sunlight is strong in the summer, these plants need shades to prevent too much sun exposure.
Temperature
Henry’s honeysuckle grows in temperate and subtropical zones. The plants enjoy warm weather and are suited to grow in an environment with a temperature of 10 to 30 ℃. When the temperature is close to 10 ℃, some of their leaves turn yellow. When the temperature is lower than 5 ℃, almost all of the leaves will wither and fall. When the temperature is higher than 35 ℃, the plant’s speed of growth slows. When henry’s honeysuckle has just been planted, it requires regular watering. However, once established it does not require much water. It is a type of hedge that requires relatively less water.
Watering
Henry’s honeysuckle thrives in its native habitat with moderate moisture, exhibiting a preference for consistent but not excessive watering. It is drought-tolerant once established, maintaining a balance between hydration and resilience. For optimal growth, henry’s honeysuckle should be watered once every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. As an outdoor plant often found in garden settings, henry’s honeysuckle’s ability to adapt to varying rainfall patterns makes it a versatile addition that can tolerate temporary dry spells without compromising its lush foliage.
Soil
Henry’s honeysuckle has strong adaptability and no special soil requirements. The plants can be grown in clay or sandy soil. They like rich, moist, well-drained, and sandy loam the most, and are adaptable to soil with a pH of 6-8, which is slightly acidic, slightly alkalic, or even saline soil.
Fertilizing
Fertilization is key for henry’s honeysuckle’s health, promoting vigorous growth and bountiful blooms. Apply a balanced fertilizer, like 10-10-10, in early spring and monthly through the growing season, adhering to the manufacturer’s recommended dosages. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can damage henry’s honeysuckle. Seasonal adjustments are crucial; reduce feeding in late summer to prepare henry’s honeysuckle for dormancy. Tip: water henry’s honeysuckle thoroughly before and after fertilization to ensure nutrient absorption and prevent root burn.
Planting Instructions
Pruning
Pruning should usually be done in fall after the leaves of henry’s honeysuckle drop, before germination. Fertilizing and pruning after blooming can encourage Henry’s honeysuckle to bloom again. Stronger branches need light pruning while weaker branches need hard pruning. Dry or old branches need to be completely pruned because pruning older branches can help younger branches develop. Pruning the branches in the middle can promote air circulation in the center of the plant while also letting lower branches receive more sunlight.
After pruning, the plant’s branches will bloom at similar times, so you can harvest more flowering branches at a time. It is recommended to just lightly prune newly planted henry’s honeysuckle as long as its shape is controlled.
Propagation
Henry’s honeysuckle can be propagated effectively through cuttings. Utilize healthy stems for cuttings, ensuring they include at least one leaf node as this is where root formation is most likely to occur. Place the cuttings in well-draining soil and maintain consistent moisture while avoiding waterlogging. A rooting hormone may enhance the success rate, although henry’s honeysuckle often roots well without it. Provide indirect sunlight until new growth indicates successful root development, then gradually introduce more light as the plant matures.
Transplanting
To give Henry’s honeysuckle a great start, the prime window is mid-to-late spring, ensuring a well-established root system before winter. Choose a spot with partial shade and well-drained soil. If in a windy locale, provide shelter to prevent drying of tender roots.
Repotting
Repot henry’s honeysuckle, a climbing shrub, during spring every 2-3 years to accommodate growth. Use a large, sturdy container to support its vigorous vines. After repotting, place Henry’s honeysuckle in a well-lit area and maintain soil moisture for recovery. Limit fertilization to aid adaptation. These guidelines ensure Henry’s honeysuckle’s flourishing post-repotting.