Native to Siberia and East Asia, the tatarian honeysuckle was introduced to North America in 1752 as an ornamental plant. However, it is now out of control and widely considered as an invasive plant in North America. Though centimeter-sized fruits look delicious, they are not edible to humans, actually.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Lonicera tatarica is a species of honeysuckle known by the common name Tatarian honeysuckle. Native to Eurasia, the plant is one of several exotic bush honeysuckles present in North America, being considered an invasive species there.
L. tatarica is native to Siberia and other parts of eastern Asia, especially China. It is also known to grow in the Himalayas. After being introduced to North America as an ornamental plant in 1752, it became a widespread introduced species and noxious weed. It is known across the continent west to Alaska and California, where it easily grows in disturbed habitat.
Its preferred environment is partial sun with moist, loamy soil. It is also able to grow in full shade or sun, and in dry or sandy soils.
Lonicera tatarica is a bushy shrub which may approach 3 meters (10 feet) in height. The twigs can be an array of colors from green to brown with a hollow brown pith. The plant is lined with oval or rounded simple leaves 3 to 6 centimeters (1+1⁄4 to 2+1⁄4 inches) long. The leaves and stem range from 2.5–6.5 cm (1–2+1⁄2 in) long, 1.25–2.5 cm (1⁄2–1 in) wide. They are egg shaped and both hairless and toothless.
The inflorescence ranges in color from deep rose to light pink, and can also be white. The petals are typically 2–2.5 cm (3⁄4–1 in) long, with a slender tube and 2 lips. The upper lip contains 4 lobes, the middle two erect and fused near the base. The white to pink to crimson red flowers are each about 1.5 cm (5⁄8 in) long, their stamens and styles protruding. The fruit is a shiny orange or red seed-containing berry up to 1 cm wide. The berries are attractive to wildlife. The plant forms thickets and spreads easily when birds and other animals consume the fruits. The flowers have a sweet smell that is reminiscent of honeysuckle.
In cultivation, L. tatarica has hybridized with other shrubby species of Lonicera. Crossed with L. morrowii, it forms the invasive hybrid L. × bella. It can also hybridize with L. ruprechtiana and L. xylosteum.
The species has a low poisonous severity level to humans, with no reports of its fatal consumption. Eating its berries is not recommended, causing symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
The species threatens native habitats because the plants grow quickly and form thick, impenetrable mats that smother their competitors. It most commonly invades thickets, open woodlands, roadsides and fence rows. Animals such as birds and mammals disperse the seeds, causing a rapid spread which often leads to a dense understory thicket that not only restricts native plant growth but also inhibits biodiversity. Once L. tatarica is introduced into an environment, it is hard to control the growth of the plant in nature because honeysuckles grow at high density.
In addition to high densities, L. tatarica has the ability to suppress the growth of other native plants in the area, thus creating monocultures. Problems reported with the invasion of L. tatarica include depletion of soil moisture and nutrients, allelopathic chemicals functioning to chemically alter the growth of native plants, and reductions in the density of tree seedlings in the area.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Tatarian 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 tatarian 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
Tatarian 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 tatarian 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
Regularly check the moisture of the soil to determine whether a plant needs watering. If the soil is relatively dry, then water it to maintain a slightly moist soil condition. Tatarian honeysuckle in gardens with ample rainfall does not need watering. Make sure water does not accumulate in the soil. In drier weather, water the plants appropriately.
During summer, increase the amount of water provided. In winter, reduce it. Wait until the soil turns a lighter color before watering. It is recommended to water tatarian honeysuckle once every 3-5 days after pruning leaves or cutting off flowers. This will help it develop new branches and bloom more impressively. It is best to water it in the morning or early evening. Rainwater or snow water is better for watering than tap water. Tap water contains fluoride or chloride, which can cause soil compaction and worsen soil permeability, affecting the breathing of the roots.
Soil
Tatarian 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
When planting tatarian honeysuckle in gardens, applying sufficient base fertilizer usually ensures normal growth. If they are planted in flower pots, apply water-soluble organic fertilizer in low concentrations once every 15-20 days in spring and summer. This will allow them to grow more healthily and produce better blooms. When buds appear, mix the organic fertilizer solution with an appropriate amount of fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium once or twice. This can promote more blooms and more beautiful flowers.
Planting Instructions
The main propagation method of tatarian honeysuckle is cutting. This can be done in all seasons except for winter. Select solid branches that have sprouted for 1-2 years and are approximately 35 cm long. Remove the lower leaves and apply rooting powder to the cuts, then stick them in perlite or vermiculite. Before they take root, be sure to promptly provide shade and water to prevent the branches from drying out. If cutting is propagated during the rainy season, a branch can root after half a month.
Tatarian honeysuckle can also be propagated by layering. Stem nodes buried in moist soil are able to take root. After rooting, the branches can be cut off for transplanting and bloom as early as the next year.
Pruning
Pruning should usually be done in fall after the leaves of tatarian honeysuckle drop, before germination. Fertilizing and pruning after blooming can encourage tatarian 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 tatarian honeysuckle as long as its shape is controlled.
Propagation
The main propagation method of tatarian honeysuckle is cutting. This can be done in all seasons except for winter. Select solid branches that have sprouted for 1-2 years and are approximately 35 cm long. Remove the lower leaves and apply rooting powder to the cuts, then stick them in perlite or vermiculite. Before they take root, be sure to promptly provide shade and water to prevent the branches from drying out. If cutting is propagated during the rainy season, a branch can root after half a month.
Tatarian honeysuckle can also be propagated by layering. Stem nodes buried in moist soil are able to take root. After rooting, the branches can be cut off for transplanting and bloom as early as the next year.
Transplanting
Ideal for transplanting tatarian honeysuckle, S1-S3, or referred to as late winter to early spring, is best due to the dormant state the plant is in which minimizes shock. Given tatarian honeysuckle’s love for sun, go for well-lit locations when deciding on a spot. Remember, maintaining soil moisture will give tatarian honeysuckle a successful transplant.
III. Uses and Benefits
The attractive and fragrant flowers of tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica) offer enough ornamental appeal to make it a popular garden plant. The plant is a shade-loving climbing vine that provides good cover for features such as trellises, walls, and fences. Due to its aggressive growth, this plant is best grown alone in the shade of trees, bushes, or walls. Tatarian honeysuckle is best suited to cottage, informal, and traditional gardens.
