Lonicera henryi
Family: Caprifoliaceae
What it is like
Lonicera henryi is an evergreen Climber growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June 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): 6
Where it is found
Scrub, 1200 - 2300 metres.
E. Asia - China from W. Hubei to W. Sichuan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Edible flowers, leaves and stems. No further details are given, but some caution is advised because this genus contains a number of mildly toxic plants.
Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is used medicinally in China, but the report gives no more details.
Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Other
Rating: 3
A very vigorous climbing plant, it makes a good dense ground cover plant where it has the space to run along the ground, but it will swamp smaller plants.
Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
How it is grown
Prefers a good moist soil with its roots in the shade and its top growing up into the light. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. A vigorous climber, supporting itself by twining around other plants. Any pruning is best carried out in the spring.
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; Ground Cover;
Habit: Climber
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist