Amur Honeysuckle
Lonicera maackii
A large deciduous shrub featuring opposite, simple leaves with acuminate tips, slender arching branches, and small tubular flowers followed by clusters of red berries.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, typically thriving with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Water
- Moderate water needs; water deeply when the top few inches of soil are dry. Drought tolerant once fully established.
- Growth
- Deciduous perennial shrub with an upright, multi-stemmed growth habit, growing up to 15 to 20 feet tall with a similar spread and a rapid growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil. Water regularly during establishment to maintain moderate soil moisture, applying balanced fertilizer in early spring if necessary.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, typically thriving with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
Watering
Moderate water needs; water deeply when the top few inches of soil are dry. Drought tolerant once fully established.
Soil
Adaptable to various soil types including clay, loam, and sandy soils, provided they have reasonable drainage and a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Hardiness zone
USDA Zones 3 through 8
Growth habit
Deciduous perennial shrub with an upright, multi-stemmed growth habit, growing up to 15 to 20 feet tall with a similar spread and a rapid growth rate.
Bloom season
Flowers in late spring with fragrant, tubular white flowers that transition to yellow, followed by bright red berries persisting into winter.
Propagation
Propagated easily through hardwood or softwood stem cuttings, as well as by seeds germinating after natural dispersal.
Common pests & issues
Generally resilient, but may occasionally encounter fungal leaf spots, aphids, or scale insects. Prevent by ensuring good air circulation and adequate sunlight.
Similar species
Other bush honeysuckles such as Tartarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica) and Morrow's honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii), distinguished primarily by leaf shape, hairiness, and exact flower color variations.