The honeysuckle – it would be too simple if there were only one type and one variety. Since nature likes to play with colors, shapes and sizes, there are also numerous different types of honeysuckle. Here's an overview.
What types of honeysuckle are there?
The most common honeysuckle species are garden honeysuckle (Jelängerjelieber), evergreen honeysuckle, forest honeysuckle, Japanese honeysuckle, fire honeysuckle, red honeysuckle and golden honeysuckle. They differ in height, flower color, fragrance strength and foliage.
The garden honeysuckle: the most popular species in Germany
The garden honeysuckle is native to Europe and Asia and is also known in Germany under the name Jelängerjelieber. It is considered to be the most fragrant species and its flowers are particularly noticeable in the evening hours. The flowering period lasts from May to June. After a gentle pruning, with luck there will be a re-bloom in autumn.
The evergreen honeysuckle: beautiful to look at even in winter
This honeysuckle, which grows up to 10 m high, impresses with its evergreen foliage. This means it is beautiful to look at even in winter and becomes a valuable privacy screen. But be careful: This property makes it particularly sensitive to dryness. It should be supplied with water even in winter!
The forest honeysuckle: Tall and strongly scented
The forest honeysuckle, also known as Lonicera periclymenum, is native to Europe and Morocco. It climbs up to 10 m high at its location. It is strongly fragrant, grows best in sun or partial shade and has yellow-white to reddish flowers.
Other interesting species
- Japanese honeysuckle: strongly fragrant, semi-evergreen, 5 to 6 m high, long flowering period
- Fire honeysuckle: strongly fragrant, medium-high climbing, slow growing, also suitable for pots, long flowering period, low twining
- Red honeysuckle: small, semi-evergreen, slightly twining, orange-red flowers
- Gold honeysuckle: up to 12 m high, trumpet-like and golden-yellow flowers, no scent, coral-red fruits, strong winding, prefers drier soils, short flowering period
The following species also belong to the honeysuckle family and are characterized by specific properties:
- Alpine Honeysuckle
- Blue Honeysuckle
- Winter Honeysuckle
- Black Honeysuckle
- Winding Honeysuckle
- Feathered Honeysuckle
- Tatar honeysuckle
- Red Honeysuckle
Tips & Tricks
Not all types of honeysuckle climb or twine equally well. Weakly twining species such as fire honeysuckle are less suitable for drafty locations and for objects that are difficult to wrap around.
