Pink Honeysuckle

(Lonicera hispidula)

Pink Honeysuckle (Lonicera hispidula)

StephanieFalzone

CC BY 2.0

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: StephanieFalzone | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: StephanieFalzone | Publisher: Flickr

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Lonicera hispidula, commonly known as Pink Honeysuckle, is a semi-deciduous perennial vine that thrives in the chaparral, mixed evergreen forests, and coastal sage scrub of California, as well as the Garry oak woodlands of British Columbia. It can grow as a shrub or climb as a vine, reaching heights of 3-20 feet (0.9-6.1 meters) and spreading 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters). The plant features oval, bluish-green leaves and bears clusters of tubular pink flowers from late spring to early summer, which are moderately showy and attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Following the flowering period, it produces spherical red berries that are visually appealing but have a bitter taste.

Pink Honeysuckle is valued for its adaptability to various light conditions and its ability to attract wildlife. It is often used in native plant gardens, for erosion control on slopes, and as a component in habitat restoration projects. This vine is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It prefers well-drained soils but can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy. While it can grow in full sun to full shade, dappled light conditions mimic its natural understory habitat. Gardeners should be aware that it can become aggressive in favorable conditions and may require pruning to manage its growth. It is also susceptible to powdery mildew and aphids. There are no widely recognized cultivars of this species in the horticultural trade, but its natural form is well-regarded for its ecological contributions and ease of care.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Vine
Height: 3-20 feet
Width: 6-8 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Pink
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade
Water: Low, Medium
Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to chaparral, mixed evergreen forests, coastal sage scrub in California, and Garry oak woodlands in British Columbia

Other Names

Common Names: California Honeysuckle , Hairy Honeysuckle

Scientific Names: Lonicera hispidula , Lonicera pilosa , Lonicera hispidula var. californica , Lonicera californica , Caprifolium hispidulum , Lonicera microphylla , Caprifolium californicum , Caprifolium hispidulum var. californicum , Caprifolium subspicatum , Lonicera ciliosa f. depressa , Lonicera hispidula var. douglasii

GBIF Accepted Name: Lonicera hispidula (Lindl.) Douglas ex Lindl.