Lonicera morrowii (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to full shade
Flowering period: Spring to early summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 2.5m
Eventual Spread: 2.5m
Hardiness: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Lonicera morrowii is a deciduous shrub with a bushy habit. Its mid green leaves leaves are ovate with an entire margin, up to 6cm long and 3cm broad. Its white/ pale flowers are tubular, up to 12mm long, produced in pairs, and appeared in clusters. Its dark red fruit are spherical berries and up to 8mm across, these contain seeds which are spread by birds.
Lonicera morrowii Flower (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Lonicera morrowii, commonly known as Morrow’s Honeysuckle or Bush Honeysuckle, is native to north east China, Japan and Korea. It its native habitat it grows at woodland edges. It is considered an invasive species and is controlled in a significant number of states in the USA. Lonicera morrowii is suspected to be allelopathic, inhibiting the growth of other plants within its vicinity.
The etymological root of the binomial name Lonicera is derived from the name of Adam Lonicer, a German naturalist from the 16th century. Morrowii named after Dr. James Morrow (1820 – 1865) an agriculturist.
The landscape architect may find Lonicera morrowii useful as a woodland understory plant (in location where it is not considdered an invasive species).
Lonicera morrowii Leaf (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Lonicera morrowii flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. Its berries are attractive to birds.
Lonicera morrowii prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Lonicera morrowii requires little maintenance.