Lonicera xylosteum Seeds | European Fly Honeysuckle
LATIN NAME: Lonicera xylosteum
COMMON NAME: European Fly Honeysuckle
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as European Fly Honeysuckle, Lonicera xylosteum is a noteworthy species. The European fly honeysuckle twines neat, upright stems with paired, grey-green leaves and small, cream-white flowers that open through late spring, twin red berries following in the autumn. Flowers are tubular and sweet-scented, berries hang in bright pairs, and bush keeps compact, rounded habit of woodland edge. Foliage stays fresh through summer, and berries feed birds into the winter. During flowering it gives bees and other insects a dependable food source. Together these qualities explain its long-standing appeal to gardeners.
Science & Biotechnology
Like other members of the Lonicera group, Lonicera xylosteum draws steady attention from botanists and plant breeders, who value the genus both as a subject of research and as a source of garden-worthy material. In woodland ecology, the European fly honeysuckle has a quiet, steady place. Continuing work by breeders and collectors keeps good seed of this species moving through the trade.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value European Fly Honeysuckle for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. In cool garden, the European fly honeysuckle holds hedgerow together through the seasons. Scented flowers open through late spring, bright, twin berries feed thrushes into winter, and dense, compact habit gives useful cover of woodland edge. It stands clipping well and grows happily in poor, ordinary ground. Once it has settled, the workload drops to almost nothing.
Honeysuckle flower, Jin Yin Hua, is one of the most important Chinese heat-clearing herbs, a first-line folk remedy for colds and sore throats with chlorogenic acid as its quality marker; the flowers scent summer gardens and teas alike.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of European Fly Honeysuckle under ordinary good conditions. Sow the seed evenly over the surface and cover lightly, using a loose, well-drained seed compost, and keep it just moist in partial shade until the seedlings are well up. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Part of this plant’s appeal is the long practical history summarized above. European Fly Honeysuckle has real presence in the garden without demanding much in return. Beginners will find it patient of imperfect technique.
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