Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica)

Overview

Lonicera tatarica, commonly known as Tatarian honeysuckle, offers gardeners a versatile and fast-growing option for screening and informal borders. This vigorous, densely-branched deciduous shrub typically reaches heights between 8 and 12 feet, presenting an arching silhouette across the landscape. Its value lies in its low maintenance requirements combined with attractive spring blooms that fill the air with fragrance.

The plant produces pairs of showy, fragrant, pink flowers in May, later followed by bright red, juicy berries that attract local bird populations. While Lonicera tatarica is adaptable to many conditions, its tendency to naturalize aggressively means gardeners must be mindful of its potential spread into natural areas where it is considered invasive in many regions.

Ultimately, Tatarian honeysuckle excels where a substantially sized, fast-growing screen is needed and regular pruning is not desired, providing year-round structure and seasonal color interest.

Fast Facts

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

How to Grow

Lonicera tatarica is known for being easily established, thriving best when planted in spring or fall in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Ensure the soil is medium moisture and well-drained; the shrub prefers organically rich loams for optimal performance, though it adapts to average soils. Proper spacing is critical given its mature spread of 8 to 12 feet.

Watering needs are medium; established plants are quite drought-tolerant once their root systems are developed. Fertilization is rarely required unless the soil is extremely poor. Monitoring for potential issues, such as witches’ broom, is a key part of its low maintenance.

Pruning should focus primarily on managing size or shape if necessary, and removing any dead or crossing branches as needed. Because the species plant can become somewhat unkempt, regular, judicious pruning after flowering can help maintain a neater habit, especially if grown close to the home.

Landscape Uses

The robust stature and rapid growth make Lonicera tatarica an excellent choice for establishing a large hedge or privacy screen quickly. Its dense branching provides effective screening and background texture in informal or naturalized garden settings. Tatarian honeysuckle is also highly recommended for bird gardens due to the persistent, showy red berries that provide winter sustenance for avian wildlife.

Avoid using this shrub near highly sensitive natural habitats due to its invasive potential. Instead, utilize its size in large properties where its tendency to naturalize can be controlled or where a wildlife habitat mass planting is desired. It serves well as a background element where its height will not overcrowd neighboring plantings.

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. Flowers are followed by juicy red berries, which are readily consumed by birds, becoming the primary agent for unwanted spread into natural areas. This species has naturalized widely across the northern and western U.S. and is classified as invasive in many locations.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Drought
• Black Walnut

Potential Problems

Witches broom, caused by Russian aphids, presents a significant aesthetic challenge, particularly in midwestern climates; treating the aphids early can manage this. Watch for common fungal issues like leaf spot, powdery mildew, and blights, which are occasionally reported. Since Lonicera tatarica may self-seed invasively, gardeners must regularly patrol surrounding areas for seedlings to prevent unwanted colonization outside the intended planting area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Tatarian honeysuckle suitable for?

Lonicera tatarica is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8, offering excellent cold tolerance.

How large does Lonicera tatarica grow?

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

When does Tatarian honeysuckle bloom?

The plant blooms in May, producing two-lipped, fragrant, pink flowers.

What sun exposure does Lonicera tatarica need?

Tatarian honeysuckle performs well in full sun locations but tolerates partial shade, making it versatile in site selection.

Conclusion

Tatarian honeysuckle is valued for its robust size, low maintenance, and attractive pink flowers in spring, offering significant structure and food sources for birds via its red fruit. While Lonicera tatarica is tough and adaptable, be acutely aware of its invasive tendencies and potential for aphid damage. Before planting, check local regulations and ensure you have the space required for this vigorous grower.

Wildlife Benefits

The juicy red berries produced after the bloom period are a crucial late-season food source for many species of birds and small mammals. This reliance on wildlife for seed dispersal is the mechanism by which Lonicera tatarica spreads aggressively outside managed spaces. Planting Tatarian honeysuckle specifically to create a wildlife haven can be effective, provided the gardener monitors for seedling escapement.

Pruning Strategy for Maintaining Shape

Although Lonicera tatarica is low maintenance, some intervention is needed to keep the structure tidy, especially when used near foundations or pathways. Perform substantial pruning after the bloom period to avoid removing next year’s flower buds, as flowers develop on old wood. Focus on removing any interior crossing branches or dead wood to improve air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal issues like leaf spot.