Honeysuckle, Kodiak Black #3
Kodiak Black Honeysuckle
Lonicera 'Kodiak Black'
Height: Typically 3–4 feet tall in Michigan’s cooler climate
Spread: Approximately 3–4 feet wide
Spacing: Plant 3–4 feet apart for a dense, uniform display
Growth Rate: Moderate
Description
Kodiak Black Honeysuckle brings a striking splash of sophistication to your landscape with its uniquely dark, nearly inky foliage and clusters of tubular, lightly fragrant flowers in late spring. This deciduous shrub offers a tidy, compact form that’s perfectly scaled for Michigan’s climate—reaching a mature height of about 3–4 feet with a similar spread. In the fall, slender stems bear ornamental berries that display a tart flavor when sampled; while primarily decorative, these berries add an eye‐catching contrast against the glossy leaves during the cooler months.
Ideal for low hedges, mixed shrub plantings, or container arrangements, Kodiak Black Honeysuckle is not only visually appealing but also deer resistant and low maintenance. For optimal fruit set, if fruit production is desired, plant a compatible male honeysuckle nearby (one male for every 3–5 females).
General Care
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial sun (minimum 5 hours of direct light daily)
- Soil: Prefers moist, well‐drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter
- Watering: Water consistently during the growing season, adjusting for Michigan’s cooler climate
- Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch to conserve moisture and stabilize soil temperature
- Pruning: Remove only dead or weak branches in early spring to maintain its compact form
- Pollination: For ornamental fruiting, ensure a male pollinator is planted nearby
Revitalize your landscape with the refined elegance of Kodiak Black Honeysuckle—a low-maintenance, evergreen showstopper that adds year‐round structure and captivating textural interest.
