Standish's honeysuckle (Lonicera standishii)

Overview

Standish’s honeysuckle (Lonicera standishii) is a highly attractive, late-blooming deciduous shrub valued primarily for its wonderfully fragrant flowers that often appear in late winter when few other plants are in bloom. This species, also known as fragrant honeysuckle, offers visual interest with its exfoliating bark and culminates the season with bright red berries enjoyed by local wildlife. While aesthetically pleasing, gardeners must proceed with caution as Lonicera standishii has demonstrated invasive tendencies in certain regions of the Eastern and Central United States.

Native to China, this shrub typically reaches mature heights and spreads between 6 and 8 feet, creating a pleasing, moderately fast-growing structure suitable for hedges or informal plantings. When sited correctly, Lonicera standishii thrives across USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8, preferring full sun to partial shade conditions alongside well-drained, organically rich soil. Its early bloom time makes it a unique addition to the winter landscape.

For those situated where invasive spread is not a concern, Standish’s honeysuckle serves well as an evergreen structure in warmer pockets of its range and provides essential early-season scent to the garden. However, due to concerns about its ability to self-seed aggressively and outcompete native species, its use requires careful consideration of local ecological impact.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Caprifoliaceae
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
• Native Range: China
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 6-8 ft
  • Spread: 6-8 ft
• Bloom Time: February to March
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Planting Lonicera standishii is best achieved in the cooler seasons—spring or fall—to allow the root system to establish before intense summer heat. Site this shrub where it receives full sun to light afternoon shade; while it tolerates considerable shade, flowering and vigor will decrease significantly away from optimal light. The ideal substrate is an organically rich loam with excellent drainage, as wet or poorly drained soils can lead to root issues.

Water needs are generally medium. Maintain consistent moisture, especially during the first year after planting. Once established, Standish’s honeysuckle shows good drought tolerance. Fertilization is usually unnecessary if the soil is rich, but a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied lightly in early spring if growth is sparse, focusing on organic matter incorporation instead.

Pruning is rarely essential for health, though light shaping after flowering can maintain form, particularly when used as a hedge. Be aware that this plant easily naturalizes through self-seeding, leading to aggressive spread in some areas. Any seeds, which ripen to juicy red berries later in the year, should be managed if you wish to control its spread away from the intended garden area.

Landscape Uses

Historically, Standish’s honeysuckle has fulfilled several roles in the landscape, including acting as a robust hedge or an effective erosion control shrub due to its dense root system. It was also appreciated as a general landscape ornamental and provided cover and food for wildlife. Due to concerns about Lonicera standishii escaping cultivation and naturalizing aggressively, its ornamental use is now discouraged in some regions, such as the St. Louis area.

Where planting is permissible, its fast growth and dense foliage make it excellent for screening or establishing informal borders and hedges where its early, fragrant bloom can border a pathway or entrance. Consider companion planting it with later-blooming shrubs or perennials that can fill in the space once the Lonicera standishii has finished its winter performance, ensuring continuous garden interest.

Designers looking for a reliable screen or hedge component should carefully verify local regulations. If using this shrub, emphasize its role in providing early wildlife sustenance via its red fruit, understanding that bird dispersal of seed is a primary vector for unwanted spread into adjacent wild areas.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant

Fruit Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Lonicera standishii, sometimes commonly called Standish honeysuckle or fragrant honeysuckle, is native to China. It is a late winter-blooming deciduous shrub (semi-evergreen in warm winter climates) that typically grows to 6-8’ tall and features fragrant white flowers, red berries, ovate-oblong to lanceolate green leaves and exfoliating bark. Flowers are followed by juicy red berries which birds and small mammals readily consume, becoming the primary agents for unwanted spread of this dense shrub.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Drought
• Heavy Shade
• Erosion
• Dry Soil
• Black Walnut

Potential Problems

The most significant issue associated with Standish’s honeysuckle is its invasive nature, presenting a serious management problem in many urban and rural locations across the eastern and central U.S. Once established outside of garden control, it spreads readily, forming dense colonies in the understory that suppress native woody and herbaceous species. Gardeners must be diligent in removing seedlings promptly to prevent landscape escape, especially near woodlands or naturalized areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Standish’s honeysuckle suitable for?

Lonicera standishii is generally hardy and thrives in USDA Zones 5 through 8.

How large does Standish’s honeysuckle grow?

This deciduous shrub typically matures to a height of 6 to 8 feet, with a similar spread of 6 to 8 feet at maturity.

What sun exposure does Lonicera standishii need?

For best performance, Lonicera standishii requires full sun to part shade; it will tolerate significant shade but may flower less profusely.

When does Standish’s honeysuckle bloom?

This plant is valued for its very early display, with fragrant white flowers typically appearing from February through March.

Conclusion

Standish’s honeysuckle offers the distinct advantage of early winter fragrance and attractive red fruit, making Lonicera standishii a valuable asset in controlled settings. Remember its potential for aggressive, easy naturalization when planning its placement in the landscape. Before planting, always verify local regulations and ensure the site offers adequate drainage for this adaptable shrub.

Wildlife Benefits

The flowering period of Lonicera standishii in late winter coincides with a time when nectar and pollen sources are scarce, offering crucial sustenance for early emerging pollinators. While the flowers provide initial food, the bright red, juicy berries that follow are highly attractive to birds and small mammals in the late summer and fall. This fruit production is a major factor in how the plant spreads beyond garden boundaries.

Companion Planting

When utilizing Standish’s honeysuckle in a permitted landscape, companion planting can help manage visual interest throughout the season. Pair Lonicera standishii with spring-blooming bulbs like daffodils (Narcissus) or tulips that emerge just as its winter bloom finishes, transitioning the focal point to warmer colors. For plants that can tolerate similar medium water and sun conditions later in the year, consider native woodland edge shrubs or ferns that thrive beneath its developing canopy once the leaves emerge.