Lonicera hispidula

Common Names

Hairy Honeysuckle, Pink Honeysuckle, California Honeysuckle, Pink Chaparral Honeysuckle, Western Honeysuckle

Summary

Hairy Honeysuckle is a western North American climber that can be a vine or sprawling shrub, reaching about 3–20 ft tall. It has opposite bluish-green leaves with the upper leaf pair often fused around the stem, and a hairy, gland-dotted surface. Pink tubular flowers with a strongly two-lipped corolla appear in clusters in spring to early summer, followed by bright red berries that attract birds; stems are hollow.

In cultivation, it tolerates sun to shade and a range of soils from acidic to neutral, from dry to moist, and becomes drought-tolerant once established. It can be grown as a climber on walls or fences or allowed to sprawl as ground cover, suitable for wildlife gardens because flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies and berries feed birds. Propagation is by seed, requiring stratification, or by layering or cuttings. Pruning after flowering helps maintain shape; care is advised near oaks because the plant can host Phytophthora ramorum.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-20 feet

Spread

6-8 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun to Full Shade.

Soil Type

Fertile, moist but well-drained soil, tolerates chalk, clay, loam, and sand

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil.

Soil pH

5.0-7.0, acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Pink

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer

Foliage Color

Blue-green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Semi-deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Layering, Cuttings, Seeds

Attracts Wildlife

Bees: Yes, Hummingbirds: Yes, Butterflies: Yes, Other pollinators: Yes, Birds: Yes