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Description
Lonicera Etrusca Donald Waterer, commonly known as Etruscan honeysuckle, is a climbing plant native to Italy. It belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family and is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 4 meters in height. The plant is an excellent choice for gardeners who want to add fragrance and color to their garden. The Etruscan honeysuckle has a sweet smell and beautiful pink flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus | Lonicera |
Appearance
The Lonicera Etrusca Donald Waterer has oval-shaped dark green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. The plant blooms in late spring and early summer with pink flowers that have a pleasant fragrance. The flowers are tubular and approximately 2.5 cm long. The plant produces black berries in the fall.
Care Guide
The Etruscan honeysuckle is easy to care for and requires moderate maintenance. The following are some tips to keep the plant healthy:
- Water: The plant requires regular watering. Water the plant once a week during the growing season and reduce the frequency during the winter.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote growth.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The Etruscan honeysuckle is hardy in zones 7 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Etruscan honeysuckle is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, the plant may be susceptible to powdery mildew, aphids, and spider mites. If you notice any signs of pests or diseases, treat the plant with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide.
Habitat
The Etruscan honeysuckle is native to Italy and grows in sunny areas with well-drained soil. The plant is commonly found in gardens and parks throughout Europe and North America.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Etruscan honeysuckle be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container, but it may not grow as large as it would in the ground.
Q: How often should I prune the plant?
A: Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring to shape it and remove dead or damaged branches.
Q: Can the plant tolerate drought?
A: The plant prefers regular watering and may not tolerate extended periods of drought.
Q: Is the plant toxic to pets?
A: The plant is not toxic to pets, but the berries may be attractive to animals and should be removed if you want to avoid attracting wildlife.
Related Plants
- Lonicera sempervirens
- Lonicera japonica
- Lonicera periclymenum
- Lonicera fragrantissima
References
- “Lonicera Etrusca.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280369.
- “Etruscan Honeysuckle.” Monrovia, www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/3272/etruscan-honeysuckle/.
- “Lonicera Etrusca Donald Waterer.” Plantopedia, plantopedia.com/lonicera-etrusca-donald-waterer/.
