Privet Honeysuckle (Lonicera pileata)

A gorgeous flowering shrub that is perfect for replacing Boxwood and Privet, the aptly named Privet Honeysuckle (Lonicera pileata) is a low-growing native that works fantastic as a compact groundcover plant. This semi-evergreen to evergreen shrub boasts long, arching horizontal branches of dark green leaves that stretch a decent distance from the center of the plant for verdant coverage!

As summer begins, the dark green foliage of the shrub begins to boast small, fragrant white flowers in clusters dotted atop the leaves. They’ll look a little like twinkling stars in a sky made of soft green foliage. Pleasant on the nose and the eyes, these flowers make for a scrumptious stop on a pollinator’s and Hummingbird’s quest for nectar. Sit back and enjoy their fluttering flights!

The fragrant spring flowers transition into deep, amethyst-purple berries as mid-summer approaches. These berries aren’t exactly a delicacy among people, but birds seem to like them! If you’re interested in dabbling in the art of birdwatching, this shrub is a must-have!

The Privet Honeysuckle has a wide planting potential that makes it a great addition to nearly any yard or growing space. Hardy throughout USDA growing zones 6 through 8, these adaptable and tolerant shrubs tolerate full sun and partially shaded areas just fine!

Planting and Application:

The native status of the Privet Honeysuckle makes it a great addition to naturalization attempts in many parts of the country! Privet Honeysuckle is sure to help the native wildlife wherever it calls home as well! Pollinators will benefit from the flowers of this shrub, while songbirds can stop for a little berry snack as the summer goes on.

The deep greens and subtle flowering of this groundcover make it a great addition to a woodland garden! The low growth makes it a great backdrop for smaller flowering plants, or midground for taller perennial plants to burst through its foliage.

The low, compact growth of this shrub makes for a perfect groundcover plant. Use this in stone-lined beds or mulched island areas as a way to control space in the environment and fill voids in the display. Several of these Privet Honeysuckles can be used in close proximity to areas in need of mass plantings. These groundcovers should grow together well to both hide empty space in a growing area and maintain an attractive continuity of foliage.

The strong root system of this shrub also makes it a great solution to erosion in your area! Plant this evergreen on slopes or banks you’re concerned about eroding over time and it should help keep the earth together as it takes root in its new home.

• Clusters of White Flowers in Summer
• Semi-Evergreen Shrub With Attractive Dark Green Foliage
• Purple Summer Berries
• Fantastic For Bird Watching & Pollinator-Friendly
• Varied Landscape Applications, Effective Ground Cover, Erosion & Mass Planting

Tips for Care:

The Privet Honeysuckle has very few issues when it comes to insects or diseases. This shrub isn’t picky about how it soaks up the sun! This plant thrives between full sun and partial shade, just make sure it’s getting a daily dose of rays to promote healthy growth. Part of what helps the Privet Honeysuckle as a solution to erosion is its ability to adapt to many kinds of drained soil conditions. This plant does not handle scorching hot soil well, though, so consider shade planting or mulch to prevent damage to your shrub.

If your Honeysuckle starts to grow a little bit wide for your liking this plant takes to pruning pretty well. Be sure to wait until late winter to prune in order to prevent damaging future growth.

• Full Sun & Part Shade
• Adaptable to Most Well-Drained Soil Types
• Moderate Moisture Needs
• Pest, Deer & Disease Resistant
• Prune Late Winter/Early Spring

The Privet Honeysuckle is an excellent addition to many growing areas for its pleasant coloration, fragrance and variety of strategies for planting.