Honeysuckle

Diervilla lonicera aka Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle, Low Bush Honeysuckle and Northern Bush Honeysuckle attracts birds and pollinators. Good for massing and soil stabilization. Very adaptable to adverse growing conditions. Great fall colour.

Honeysuckle Characteristics

Leaves: Smooth dark green leaves. Slightly copper-coloured/burgundy new foliage in spring turns reddish deep purple in fall.
Stem/Bark: Young stems green to reddish, older woody stems smooth and brown.
Flower: Fragrant, small trumpet shaped, pale yellow flowers turning red or orange. Blooms in June and July.
Fruit/Nut: Slender capsules containing many seeds appearing in June-July, maturing in late summer.
Habit: Suckering multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with low arching branches.
Hardiness: Zone 3
Height: 3’ – 5’
Width: 3’ – 5’

Why grow native plants?

A native plant is defined as a species of fauna that was already established before colonization. There are numerous benefits to the use of native plants. Native plants have grown and evolved in a given area for generations and therefore are more prepared to face the elements. As a result they are much hardier and less finicky to care for. The wildlife in the area has also evolved along side these plants, and because of this has formed bonds with them. Most butterflies have a specific plant species from which they collect nectar for their offspring.

There are many birds that will feed directly from local trees for seed, nectar or fruit, but won’t use the bird feeder you’ve bought to attract them. These plants also work together to grow as natural plant communities. Most of the trees won’t grow their leaves until after the wildflowers have had an adequate amount of time to flower before they’re covered by shade. Finally, of course, there is the fact that all of these plants and animals combine to make a sustainable, complete, functioning ecosystem. Why fight thousands of years of evolution?

Have questions about native plants? Post a comment Ian will get back to you.