Lonicera pileata
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Privet honeysuckle, Prostrate honeysuckle
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Pronounced: lon-i-SE-ra pi-lee-AH-ta
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
China.
Plant Group:
Evergreen shrubs.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 2-9, 14-24.
USDA zones: 5-9.
Heat zones: 9-5.
Mature size:
Height: 2-3 feet (60-90 cm).
Width: 8 feet (2.5 m).
Flowering period:
May.
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Leaf attributes: Glossy, evergreen, dark green leaves.
Growth habit: Spreading, low growing.
Light: Full sun or partial shade.
Soil: Any well-drained soil.
Propagation Methods: Easy to propagate by cuttings taken in fall or early spring.
Pruning Methods: Prune after flowering.
Rainy Side Notes
This shrub, with its evergreen boxwood-like foliage and slow spreading habit, makes a good bank-covering ground cover. It is much more interesting than the destructive ivy that is destroying local forest habitats. Where a branch of this Lonicera touches ground, it will root and slowly spread over time. Salt tolerant too, it is good for seashore plantings. Also it can be used as a bonsai subject.
Flowers are inconspicuous, but following the flowers, the translucent violet-blue berries are wonderful in winter. It is supposedly deer-proof, so hopefully your local herd will turn its nose up to the shrub.
Lonicera was named after German naturalist Adam Lonitzer. Pileata means capped, describing the fruit’s dimple.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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