Of the 175 different kinds of honeysuckles grown in the United States today, the Tatarian honeysuckle, Lonicera tatarica, is one of the most valuable ornamental.
True, it does not have the very large flowers of some species, but it grows vigorously and is perfectly hardy in all sections of the United States except in the very coldest part of the Midwest.
Tatarian Honeysuckle
The Tatarian honeysuckle develops into a dense shrub about 9’ feet tall. In early spring, it is one of the first woody plants to show its leaves, which is certainly a desirable trait.
Its very fragrant flowers, which are pink to white and about an inch in diameter, are borne profusely in late May.
Soft, fleshy, bright red berries smaller than a pea begin to appear in the latter part of June and last through July and into August.
These berries are particularly sought after by birds because they ripen when they are beginning to look around for fresh fruit.
Shrub’s Fruiting Habit
Sometimes they are borne so profusely that the branches literally bend to the ground.
The most important thing about this shrub’s fruiting habit is that an abundant crop of berries is produced yearly.
Not all shrubs flower and fruit profusely year in and year out, regardless of the vagaries of the weather, but this one can be considered one of the most dependably serviceable of all shrubs.
Lonicera Tatarica
Being bushy in habit, Lonicera tatarica is easily transplanted and takes all kinds of pruning and shearing, even a severe cutting to the ground.
Because it will grow in almost any kind of soil and does not become seriously infested with disease or insect pests, it is classed as one of the outstanding low-maintenance plants.
It is also quite tolerant of wind and shade, withstanding the latter and most plants in this category, although it naturally flowers and fruits more heavily in full sun.
Seashore situations seem to lack beauty and can also be expected to do well in city gardens.
Different Uses For Lonicera Tatarica
Its extreme hardiness, together with its dense habit, make it very useful, too, in exposed areas such as a low screen or a windbreak.
It also gives splendid service as a filler in the background of the shrub border.
And when one thinks of plants suitable for at least two full seasons of garden interest a year, the Tatarian honeysuckle is always included.
Since all commercial growers recognize the sterling qualities of this honeysuckle, it is easily available from most nurseries.
Highly-Recommended Plant
Introduced from its native habitat of southern Russia about 1752, it has taken to this country so well that it is becoming naturalized in many places.
Much ado is made over new and rare plants merely because they are new or rare, but a shrub as good as Lonicera tatarica should be highly recommended even though it has been grown for a long time.
Blooms Of Several Varieties
However, the several excellent varieties of this plant are not so well known, some of which are not grown nearly as much as they should be.
The newest is a dwarf form, which, however, is not yet available from commercial nurserymen.
One variety has white flowers, while others have pink to reddish ones.
The blooms of Lonicera tatarica sibirica are a very deep pink, considered by some the deepest red of all loniceras.
Some varieties have yellow fruits, and when this type is used with red-fruiting forms, the result is the most colorful!
44659 by Donald Wyman