Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica 'Alba')

Overview

Lonicera tatarica ‘Alba’, commonly known as Tatarian honeysuckle, is distinguished by its vigorous growth habit and the production of two-lipped, pure white flowers in May. This introduction offers more than just aesthetics, providing a dense, rounded form ideal for structural planting in the landscape. Gardeners appreciate the low maintenance required for this robust shrub.

This deciduous shrub rapidly develops into a specimen reaching heights and spreads between 8 to 12 feet. While valued for its structure, gardeners should note that Lonicera tatarica ‘Alba’ has a tendency to naturalize aggressively, which means thoughtful placement is crucial to avoid unwanted spread into natural areas. The plant is quite adaptable, thriving across a wide range of cold hardiness zones.

Beyond its visual appeal and fragrance, Tatarian honeysuckle serves an ecological role, as the subsequent juicy red berries are highly attractive to birds and small mammals. For low-effort screening or mass plantings where wildlife interaction is desired, Lonicera tatarica ‘Alba’ presents a reliable and hardy choice.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Caprifoliaceae
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 8-12 ft
  • Spread: 8-12 ft
• Bloom Time: May
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Plant Lonicera tatarica ‘Alba’ when dormant, either in early spring or late fall, to allow it to establish roots before summer stress. This shrub adapts well but performs best in organically rich loams that offer good drainage. Ensure the planting site receives adequate moisture, especially during the first year of establishment, though mature plants exhibit drought tolerance.

Care for Tatarian honeysuckle is generally straightforward, fitting its low maintenance classification. Water moderately; while it tolerates dry conditions, consistent medium moisture encourages optimal growth and flowering. Fertilization is rarely necessary if the soil is reasonably fertile. Pruning should focus mainly on removing dead or crossing branches as needed to maintain an open structure.

If you desire a very formal appearance, clipping can be performed, but understand that taller specimens might naturally become slightly unkempt over time. Be vigilant for potential issues like Witches’ broom caused by Russian aphids, particularly important in Midwestern garden settings.

Landscape Uses

The robust size and dense branching pattern make Tatarian honeysuckle excellent for functional planting designs. It is highly effective when utilized as a background screen or a substantial informal hedge, providing quick height where privacy is needed. Furthermore, its tendency to naturalize means it suits larger, less manicured areas or bird gardens where natural food sources for wildlife are prioritized.

Avoid placing this variety in small, formal borders, as it can quickly outgrow restrictive spaces. Due to its spreading nature, consider the impact on adjacent beds, ensuring companion plants can handle the presence of vigorous neighboring root systems. Lonicera tatarica ‘Alba’ works well where a tall, established screen is required quickly.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant

Fruit Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Lonicera tatarica, commonly called Tatarian honeysuckle, is a vigorous, densely-branched, rounded, deciduous shrub that typically grows to 8-12’ tall with branches arching at the top. Branches are clad with ovate to ovate-lanceolate bluish green leaves that are pale beneath, and the cultivar ‘Alba’ specifically features two-lipped, fragrant, pure white flowers. Flowers appear in May, followed by juicy red berries highly favored by birds, which contributes to the shrub’s invasive spread in many regions.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Drought
• Black Walnut

Potential Problems

Witches broom caused by Russian aphids can be a significant problem in the Midwest, requiring monitoring and possible targeted intervention if severe. Gardeners may also contend with common fungal issues like leaf spot, powdery mildew, and various blights, which can often be mitigated by ensuring good air circulation during planting. It bears repeating that Lonicera tatarica ‘Alba’ may self-seed invasively, so containment or removal of fruit in sensitive habitats is crucial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Tatarian honeysuckle suitable for?

Lonicera tatarica ‘Alba’ performs reliably in USDA Zones 3 through 8, indicating excellent cold tolerance.

How large does Tatarian honeysuckle grow?

This deciduous shrub typically reaches a mature height between 8 and 12 feet, with an equivalent spread of 8 to 12 feet.

When does Tatarian honeysuckle bloom?

The fragrant flowers, described as white, generally appear during the month of May.

What sun exposure does Lonicera tatarica ‘Alba’ need?

This shrub is adaptable and thrives in conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade.

Conclusion

Lonicera tatarica ‘Alba’ offers gardeners a fast-growing, low-maintenance option that provides fragrant spring flowers and valuable wildlife sustenance through its fruit. While its hardiness and structure are compelling for hedges and screens, always respect its invasive potential when installing Tatarian honeysuckle in your landscape. Before planting, ensure your intended location aligns with USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8 and assess your soil drainage capabilities.

Wildlife Benefits

The vibrant, juicy red berries produced after flowering are a significant draw for numerous bird species and small mammals. Planting Tatarian honeysuckle specifically to support bird populations is a strong consideration, especially in late summer and fall when these food sources are vital. Be mindful that this wildlife contribution is intrinsically linked to the shrub’s ability to self-seed, acting as the primary vector for its unwanted spread.

Design Ideas for Screening

Given its dense 8 to 12-foot stature, Lonicera tatarica ‘Alba’ excels as a robust visual barrier or screen. Combine it with later-blooming deciduous shrubs like lilacs (Syringa) or spireas to ensure continuous interest in the border throughout the season. For a less manicured, more naturalized look echoing its native range adaptability, mass several specimens together in a large, open area where they can assume their natural arching form.