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Description
Lonicera Tatarica, commonly known as Tatarian honeysuckle, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family. It is native to central and northern Asia and southeastern Europe. It was introduced to North America in the 1700s as an ornamental plant and has since been widely naturalized. Tatarian honeysuckle can grow up to 10 feet tall and has a spread of 8 feet. It has an upright, bushy habit with arching branches that form a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are opposite, oval-shaped, and up to 3 inches long. They are dark green above and lighter green below. The flowers are fragrant, tubular, and pink to purplish-red in color. They appear in late spring to early summer and are followed by red berries that persist into winter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus | Lonicera |
Appearance
Tatarian honeysuckle has an attractive appearance, making it a popular choice for landscaping. The bark is grayish-brown and slightly peeling. The foliage is dense and provides excellent coverage. The leaves are oval-shaped and up to 3 inches long. They are dark green above and lighter green below. The flowers are tubular and pink to purplish-red in color. They appear in late spring to early summer and are followed by red berries that persist into winter. The fruit is not edible for humans but is a valuable food source for birds.
Care Guide
Tatarian honeysuckle is a low-maintenance shrub that is easy to grow. Here are some care tips to keep it healthy and thriving:- Water: Tatarian honeysuckle prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water deeply once a week during the growing season.- Fertilization: Fertilize in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.- Soil: Tatarian honeysuckle grows best in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand.- Sunlight: Tatarian honeysuckle prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will bloom less in shady areas.- Hardiness Zones: Tatarian honeysuckle is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tatarian honeysuckle is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Here are some ways to prevent and treat these common problems:- Aphids: Spray the leaves with a strong stream of water to dislodge the aphids. Alternatively, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Spider mites: Spray the leaves with a strong stream of water to dislodge the spider mites. Alternatively, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Powdery mildew: Improve air circulation around the plant by pruning it regularly. Apply a fungicide if necessary.
Habitat
Tatarian honeysuckle is native to central and northern Asia and southeastern Europe. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and riverbanks. In North America, it has become naturalized and can be found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and abandoned fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Tatarian honeysuckle invasive?
A: Yes, Tatarian honeysuckle is considered invasive in some areas because it can outcompete native plants and reduce biodiversity.Q: Can Tatarian honeysuckle tolerate drought?
A: No, Tatarian honeysuckle prefers moist soil and does not tolerate drought well.Q: How often should I prune Tatarian honeysuckle?
A: Prune Tatarian honeysuckle in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches and shape the plant as desired.Q: How long does it take for Tatarian honeysuckle to bloom?
A: Tatarian honeysuckle blooms in late spring to early summer, usually within 2 to 3 years after planting.
Related Plants
– Lonicera fragrantissima (Winter honeysuckle)- Lonicera periclymenum (European honeysuckle)- Lonicera sempervirens (Trumpet honeysuckle)- Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle)
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Lonicera tatarica. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e783- University of Connecticut Plant Database. (n.d.). Lonicera tatarica. Retrieved from https://hort.uconn.edu/detail.php?pid=280
