Lonicera tatarica Hacks Red - Tatarian Honeysuckle

Lonicera tatarica 'Hack's Red', or Tartarian Honeysuckle, is a upright and bushy bush with spectacular crimson red spring flowers followed by scarlet fruits in summer. This shrub will adapt to all soils and exposures.

Originating from the Caucasus region in southern Russia, as well as Central Asia, the Tartarian Honeysuckle belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family, it forms a very hardy bush that can reach a height of 2.50 to 3 m and spread over 2.50 m (8 ft 2 in), with a medium to fast growth.

Lonicera tatarica 'Hack's Red' is a deciduous bush with upright and bushy vegetation and a spreading habit. From May to June small single, cherry pink to reddish violet flowers appear along the axils of the leaves on the shoots. This spectacular flowering is followed by small red to yellow-orange fruits in summer that stand out well against the fairly dark green-glaucous foliage. It has a beautiful grey bark that peels off with age.

Plant Lonicera tatarica Hack's Red in any type of soil, from dry to moist, even limestone, . This shrub will thrive in partial shade or full sun, but the flowering will be more abundant in full sun. Pruning is not necessary, except for removing dead wood or correcting a slightly sparse habit. If necessary, prune after flowering, as it will not harm the plant's health. The shrub is sometimes susceptible to aphid attacks.

The Tatarian honeysuckle will find its place in all gardens, in an informal hedge, shrub bed, or even as a solitary specimen. Birds are fond of its berries and find refuge in its branches. You can associate it in a spring scene with buddleias in various colours, Weigela, Chaenomeles x superba, Deutzia, Enkianthus campanulatus, Exochorda racemosa, Forsythia, or Kolkwitzia.
 

Lonicera tatarica has naturalized in Europe and North America.