Honeysuckle, Northern #3
Northern Honeysuckle
Lonicera canadensis
Height: Typically 3–4 feet tall in Michigan’s cooler climate
Spread: Approximately 4–6 feet wide
Spacing: Plant 4–6 feet apart for a cohesive, spreading display
Growth Rate: Moderate
Description
Northern Honeysuckle is a delightful, deciduous shrub that injects your landscape with fresh, invigorating appeal. Its arching stems produce clusters of tubular, fragrant flowers in early summer that gradually give way to small, tart red berries in the fall—adding a striking splash of color as they persist through the cooler months. Perfectly suited for Michigan’s climate, its naturally compact, low-growing habit makes it an ideal choice for borders, mixed shrub plantings, or container displays. The lush, green foliage provides a satisfying textural backdrop that elevates any landscape design.
General Care
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial sun
- Watering: Water regularly after planting to establish deep roots; once established, requires minimal supplemental watering except during extended dry periods
- Mulching: Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and maintain stable soil temperature
- Pruning: Lightly prune in early spring to remove dead or straggly stems and maintain its neat form
- Pollination: As a self-fertile species, it typically produces ornamental berries without needing extra pollinators
Reinvigorate your landscape with the refined elegance of Northern Honeysuckle—a low-maintenance shrub that delights with fragrant blooms, a graceful growth habit, and a vibrant display of tart red berries all season long.
