honeysuckle

plant overview

delicate vanilla fragrance

There are more than 300 species of climbing vines in the honeysuckle group of plants. Although this species is commonly known as Japanese honeysuckle, it also native to China and now occurs naturally in South America and in the Caribbean. The beautiful honey-colored and scented flowers impart a delicate vanilla-like fragrance to perfumes and other cosmetics. Honeysuckle blossoms are also used in tea blends and to make herbal tonics and syrups.

Clicking "learn more" next to each variety will take you to individual product pages for details.

01.
A Bit of Botany
a little bit of botanical information on honeysuckle

description
Lonicera japonica is a twining vine of the Caprifoliaceae family, able to climb up to 10 meters (33 ft) high or more in trees, with opposite, simple oval leaves 3–8 centimeters (1.2–3.1 in) long and 2–3 centimeters (0.79–1.2 in) broad. The flowers are double-tongued, opening white and fading to yellow, and sweetly vanilla scented. The fruit is a globose, dark blue berry 5–8 millimeters (0.20–0.31 in) diameter containing numerous seeds.

Due to its rapid spread via these numerous tiny fruit seeds, honeysuckle is considered an invasive species not only in many US states but also in a number of countries worldwide.

common names & nomenclature
The common name Honeysuckle is from the Old English hunigsuge in reference to the nectar in the flowers. The specific name, japonica, is from the Latin for “Japanese” referring to the origin of the plant.

Also known as:
jin yin hua, japanese honeysuckle, suikazura

Honeysuckle, the climbing vine with a delicate vanilla fragrance

02.
Where in the World
habitat and range for honeysuckle

Lonicera japonica is a species of honeysuckle native to eastern Asia including China, Japan and Korea.

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting
considerations for growing and harvesting honeysuckle

climate
Grows in part sun/part shade thickets in hills and mountains all over Japan as well as woods in the mountains and lowlands of Korea.

soil
Prefers a good moist fertile, well-drained soil.

growing
Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 2 months cold stratification and should be sown as soon as possible in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, transplant the seedlings into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent locations in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Can also be propagated via layering or cuttings.

harvesting
The flowers are harvested in early morning before they open and are dried for later use.

preserving
Store dried honeysuckle in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

for educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

please be advised:
Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor,
especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.