Lonicera pileata
Privet honeysuckle | |
---|---|
Binomial: | Lonicera pileata |
Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
Type: | Low shrub |
Light requirements: | Full sun to light shade |
Water requirements: | Drought tolerant |
USDA Hardiness Zone: | (5)-6-8-(9) |
Propagation: | Layering |
Pest issues: | Rare |
Disease issues: | Rare |
Weediness: | Aggressive spreader |
Pollination: | Insects and hummingbirds |
The Privet Honeysuckle is a low-growing evergreen shrub or groundcover, useful for planting on banks or other areas due to its low maintenance needs.
Description[edit]
This is a low, spreading shrub with an arching habit and "fishbone-like" leaves and secondary branches. The leaves are small, simple, shiny dark green. The small white flowers are borne in the axils in pairs, and while they are not showy they do attract hummingbirds.
Growing Conditions[edit]
Does best in well-drained soils. May require some shelter in the colder part of the range.
Cultivars[edit]
- ‘Moss Green’: Compact, low-growing.
- ‘Royal Carpet’: Straight branches and purple fruit.
Uses[edit]
The arching habit makes it a good candidate for growing over walls or on steep banks. Layers readily and spreads fairly quickly.
The branches are also useful for floral arrangements.
Maintenance[edit]
Very easy. Can outgrow its space, but easily reined in.
Propagation[edit]
Layering is the most common method.
Pests and Diseases[edit]
Problems are rare in the garden. Occasionally browsed by deer, but grows back readily. See Lonicera for a full discussion of pests and diseases affecting the genus.
References[edit]
- Christopher Brickell and Judith D. Zuk (1997). The American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. DK Publishing. pp. 632.
- Book:Horticulture/Finder/Types/Shrubs, Small
- Book:Horticulture/Finder/Types/Evergreens
- Book:Horticulture/Finder/Special/Weedy or Aggressive
- Book:Horticulture/Finder/Conditions/Part Shade
- Book:Horticulture/Finder/Conditions/Full Sun
- Book:Horticulture/Finder/Conditions/Drought Tolerant
- Book:Horticulture/Finder/Attractions/Hummingbirds
- Book:Horticulture/Finder/Uses/Fresh Cut Flowers
- Book:Horticulture/Finder/Attractions/Deer
- Book:Horticulture/Finder/Flowers/White