Morrow honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii)
Morrow honeysuckle, Lonicera morrowii, features fragrant, showy creamy-white blooms, excellent as a hedge or for wildlife cover.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Morrow honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii) is a densely-branched, deciduous shrub historically valued for its aesthetic and functional landscape qualities. When in bloom, it offers a striking display of creamy white, fragrant flowers, typically appearing from May through June. This introduction from Japan has adapted readily to many North American climates.
Introduced in 1875, Lonicera morrowii was originally intended as an ornamental plant, but its easy cultivation and prolific seed production have led to widespread naturalization. It forms dense colonies, thriving in varied light conditions from full sun to partial shade. While robust, gardeners must be aware of its aggressive self-seeding nature, which often classifies Morrow honeysuckle as an invasive species across much of the eastern and central United States.
Despite calls for reduced ornamental use due to invasiveness, its historical value as a fast-growing hedge, cover for wildlife, and drought-tolerant screen remains notable. Understanding the vigorous growth habit of Lonicera morrowii is key to successful and responsible cultivation should it still be found in commerce or retained on a property.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Caprifoliaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Native Range: Japan
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 5-8 ft
- Spread: 6-10 ft
- Bloom Time: May to June
- Bloom Description: Creamy white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
The best time to plant Morrow honeysuckle is traditionally in the early spring or late fall when conditions are cool, allowing the root system to establish before temperature extremes. Lonicera morrowii is highly adaptable, preferring average, medium moisture, well-drained soils but successfully tolerating considerable shade. For optimal health, prioritize organically rich loams with good drainage.
Care for this shrub is relatively simple, requiring only medium water input once established. Fertilization is usually unnecessary, especially given its natural tendency to thrive in various conditions. Pruning is primarily required if using the plant for formal hedging or to manage its aggressive spread—cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
A crucial point for any gardener considering or maintaining Lonicera morrowii is managing its naturalization. Because it easily self-seeds, monitoring is essential to prevent escape into surrounding wild areas, where it can outcompete native flora. In sparsely infested areas, physically digging out young plants is effective; heavy infestations may require more intensive management strategies like prescribed burning or herbicide application.
Landscape Uses
Historically, Morrow honeysuckle was frequently utilized in landscape settings for robust hedging due to its dense branching habit and quick establishment. It also served effectively as a wildlife cover plant, providing shelter and food, or as an erosion control shrub on less manicured slopes. While it was recommended for these uses, its strong tendency to escape cultivation means that its ornamental planting is now discouraged in many regions.
If growing Lonicera morrowii is permitted and desired, consider using it in large, low-visibility naturalized areas where its spread can be easily contained or monitored. It pairs well with robust native species that can compete somewhat against its groundcover potential. Avoid planting near sensitive woodland borders or high-quality native ecosystems.
Because of its past popularity, some established specimens might still exist. In these cases, focus on containment pruning to maintain its functionality as a screen or hedge while minimizing berry production that attracts birds responsible for seed dispersal.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lonicera morrowii, commonly known as shrub or bush honeysuckle, originates from Japan and features tubular, fragrant, creamy-white flowers that often yellow as they age, followed by red berries highly favored by birds. This densely-branched, deciduous shrub can reach up to 8 feet tall and 10 feet wide, valued historically for its ornamental appeal before its invasive nature became widely recognized. The genus name honors the German botanist Adam Lonitzer.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
- Heavy Shade
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
The invasive nature of Morrow honeysuckle presents a serious ecological problem across many urban and rural landscapes in the central and eastern US. Roadsides, disturbed sites, and woodland edges frequently become heavily colonized by this shrub, forming dense understory layers that eliminate native herbaceous and woody plants.
Control measures must be proactive. In areas with sparse populations, thoroughly digging out the entire root system is the recommended initial step to prevent regrowth. For heavily colonized areas where mechanical removal is impractical, management often requires chemical control. Application of suitable herbicides, such as glyphosate, or employing prescribed burning can effectively manage widespread infestations of Lonicera morrowii.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Morrow honeysuckle suitable for?
Morrow honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii) thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Morrow honeysuckle grow?
This deciduous shrub typically achieves a height between 5 and 8 feet, with a spread ranging from 6 to 10 feet at maturity.
What sun exposure does Lonicera morrowii need?
It performs well in locations receiving full sun to part shade, and it possesses notable tolerance for heavy shade conditions.
When does Morrow honeysuckle bloom?
You can expect the creamy white flowers of Lonicera morrowii to appear seasonally from May to June.
Conclusion
Morrow honeysuckle provides excellent screening and bears attractive, fragrant flowers, which explains its historical success in gardens. However, the aggressive naturalization and resulting ecological harm caused by Lonicera morrowii mandate careful consideration before planting. Always verify local regulations and plan containment strategies if choosing to grow this robust shrub.
Wildlife Benefits
The juicy red berries produced by Lonicera morrowii are highly attractive to numerous bird species and small native mammals. This fruit volume provides a significant food source during late summer and fall when native berry production might be tapering off, aiding local wildlife populations preparing for colder months.
For songbirds, the dense, tangled structure of established Lonicera morrowii thickets offers excellent cover. These colonies provide safe nesting sites and protection from aerial predators throughout the growing season. This combination of reliable food and secure cover made it a functional element in habitat restoration before its invasive status was fully realized.
Design Considerations for Established Plants
If Morrow honeysuckle is already present on your property, rather than immediate removal, consider integrating it structurally into less ecologically sensitive areas like utility easements or roadside buffers where containment is easier. Use it as a low-maintenance sacrificial hedge against boundary lines.
For established plantings, employ rigorous summer pruning immediately following the berry set to significantly reduce the next season’s seed bank. By carefully managing the reproductive output, you can leverage the density of the shrub without contributing further to its invasive spread into native woodlands.
