Height: 3 m (10-12 feet)
Bloom: pink in May
Fall Colour: none

Tatarian Honeysuckle is a large shrub with an erect, vase shaped habit. Lonicera tatarica has heart-shaped, bright green leaves and remains healthy throughout the season although it offers no fall colour. Flowers are abundant, pink (occasionally white) and appear in mid-May in my Zone 5 garden. Buds start out pink opening to lighter pink flowers that resemble fluttering birds wings. Another interesting feature is that the branches when cut are hollow inside.

Lonicera tatarica was growing naturally in our back bush and is fairly common in open area scrub brush around us. Tatarian honeysuckle belongs to the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae). It is a native of Eurasia that has been widely planted in North America as an ornamental and has escaped into our native habitat. Tatarian honeysuckle spreads by seeds contained in small fleshy berries and based our our experience seeds germinate easily in open sunny areas. Environment Canada lists Lonicera tatarica as a moderate invasive alien species of upland habitats that appear to constitute an intermediate level of threat to natural areas.

Lonicera tatarica Bush Honeysuckle

Lonicera tatarica is a multi-stemmed native shrub with upright branches that arch slightly towards the ends.

Garden Location: naturally growing in our Woodland Garden.