Lonicera affinis

Family: Caprifoliaceae

What it is like

Lonicera affinis is an evergreen Climber growing to 7 m (23ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 7

Where it is found

In thickets or edges of forests, mainly in warm coastal areas at elevations of 10 - 800 metres.

E. Asia - China, C. and S. Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Fruit. No more details are given. The fruit is about 7mm in diameter. Flowers. Used as a flavouring in drinks.

Medicine

Rating: 1

A tea made from the flowers and leaves is used to treat rashes and boils.

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Prefers a good moist soil with its roots in the shade and its top growing into the light. A climbing plant, supporting itself by twining around other plants.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 2 months cold stratification and should be sown as soon as possible in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with or without a heel, July/August in a frame. Good percentage. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 15 - 20cm with or without a heel, November in a cold frame. Good percentage. Layering in autumn.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Climber

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

L. buergeriana.