Lonicera tatarica - Tatarian Honeysuckle

Lonicera tatarica or Tartarian Honeysuckle is a sarmentous bush with an upright and bushy habit. This species, which is not very common in our gardens, offers a pretty white to pink flowering along the branches in spring, followed by a yellow-orange fruiting in summer. Smaller and less fragrant than its climbing cousins, its flowers will nevertheless be greatly appreciated by pollinating insects, and its berries, although toxic to humans, will be sought after by birds. This bush adapts to all types of soil and all exposures.

Originally from the Caucasus region in southern Russia, as well as central Asia, the Tartarian Honeysuckle belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family. Naturalized in Europe and North America, it is found in France in Île-de-France (77, 78, 95) and Haute-Corse. It forms a very robust deciduous bush that reaches 3 to 4m (9ft 10in to 13ft 1in) in height and spreads over 2.50m (8ft 2in), with medium to rapid growth. It has an upright and bushy vegetation, with a diffuse habit. From May to June, small single, bilabiate flowers appear along the shoots in the axils of the leaves, white to pale pink becoming darker pink. This beautiful flowering is followed by small red to yellow-orange fruits in summer, which stand out well against the fairly dark green-glaucous foliage. It has a beautiful greyish bark that peels with age.

Plant Lonicera tatarica in any type of soil, even chalky, dry to moist. This bush will thrive in partial shade or full sun, but the flowering will be more abundant in full sun. The Tartarian Honeysuckle will find its place in all gardens, in a hedge, shrub borders, or even as a standalone plant. Birds are fond of its berries and find refuge in its branches. You can associate it in a spring scene with buddleias of various colours, Weigelas, Chaenomeles x superba, Deutzias, Enkianthus campanulatus, Exochorda racemosa, Forsythia, or Kolkwitzias. Pruning is not necessary, except to remove dead wood or correct a slightly sparse habit. Intervene after flowering, as this will not harm the plant's health. The bush is sometimes subject to aphid attacks.