Lonicera syringantha - Lilac flowered Honeysuckle

Lonicera syringantha, known as the Lilac Honeysuckle is a deciduous shrub with spring flowers similar to that of lilac, in colour, shape and fragrance of the flowers.  Native to China and Tibet, this relatively unknown plant will work beautifully in all scented gardens and adapt to all climates.

Lonicera syringantha belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family and originates from western China and Tibet. The growth of this shrub is medium to fast, and its adult size will not exceed 1.50 m to 2 m in height and 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) in width.

The Lilac-flowered Honeysuckle is a small, branched, spreading deciduous shrub. From April to June, small, single, tubular, light pink, honey producing flowers appear at the axils of the leaves, with a strong fragrance reminiscent of lilacs. The flowering is sometimes repeating in summer. It is followed by small red fruits from August to October. Small opposite leaves arranged in pairs or threes, are green-blue and leathery, and grow along the green or red stems.

Plant Lonicera syringantha in any soil, even chalky, dry, or moist soil, but it must be well-drained, as it is sensitive to excessive moisture in winter, which can harm its hardiness. Ideally, the substrate will be loamy-sand or loamy-gravel and rich in humus. This shrub will thrive in partial shade or full sun, but not in scorching exposure to the sun. When planted in partial shade, the plant will attract fewer aphids.

Lonicera syringantha will find its place in a rural hedge, shrub beds, or even as a specimen plant. You can create a spring scene with buddleias in various colours, Aronia, Chaenomeles x superba, Cornus, Deutzia, Enkianthus campanulatus, Exochorda racemosa, Forsythia, or Kolkwitzia. Note that the drought resistance and hardiness of this shrub honeysuckle allows it to be grown in many situations.