The genus Lonicera (Common Name: Honeysuckle, Family: Caprifoliaceae) includes approximately 150 species.
These are mainly rambling shrubs or climbers with deep green opposite leaves on thin twining branches.
Flowers:
Mainly have small but showy flowers, mostly white with some scent.
Requirements: Prefers moist fertile soils. Adapted to tropics very well. Protect from severe coastal sea breezes. Will grow in sun and shade but prefers more sunlight.
Culture: water and feed regularly. Prune to control growth of shrubs and climbers.
Pest and Disease: Grasshoppers, aphid, mildew, black leaf-spotting disease. Use carbaryl for grasshoppers, pyrethrum for aphids, Mancozeb for fungal diseases.
Species & Varieties:
L. chamissoi -To 1m tall with violet flowers borne in pairs.
L. fragrantissima -Grows 0.5 to 2m tall, rambling shrub or ground cover, strongly fragrant cream flowers during cooler months.
L. microphylla -To 1m with yellow-white flowers borne in pairs.
L. nitida -To 2m with small leaves and scentless creamy flowers.
L. tatarica (Tatarian Honeysuckle) -Rambling shrub or ground cover, green leaves, pink or white flowers.