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Germination of the Giant Burmese Honeysuckle

Giant Burmese honeysuckle is a large climbing vine with flowers that develop different hues as they age. The vine is woody and evergreen, hardy down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The tubular flowers are fragrant and attract pollinators and hummingbirds. Lonicera vines can become invasive in zones where there are no killing freezes and the plant doesn't die back. The vine produces small black berries that are attractive to birds, who eat them and plant the seeds in hospitable soils. Germination can take up to half a year in a natural setting.

  1. Description

    • The giant Burmese honeysuckle has tube-shaped flowers that first appear white and then age to orange. Flowering begins in spring, with blooms produced until fall. The leaves are oval and soft green, but they mature to a deeper color with a glossy sheen. The scientific name is Lonicera hildebrandia, and it was introduced in the United States as an ornamental from China. This climbing vine creates an interesting woody scaffold that adds visual appeal to the plant.

    Propagation

    • Commercial propagation is done vegetatively. The plant is easy to start from terminal stem cuttings. Softwood or semi-ripe new cuttings root the easiest. Opportunistic branches that bow to the ground may simply root where they meet the earth, a process called layering. The plant produces numerous seeds from its fruits, but seeding is erratic and may require special treatment to break embryonic dormancy. The honeysuckle experiences chilling periods of at least two months in its native habitat. Germination can take up to 180 days even with dormancy treatments.

    Seed Germination

    • The seeds of the giant Burmese honeysuckle are contained in the fruit. The fruit appears in late summer through early autumn, and it persists through winter or until the birds eat them. Once you soak the seeds free of pulp, you can prepare a flat indoors or a well-tilled bed outside. Refrigerate the seeds for at least three months to simulate winter chilling temperatures. Sow the seeds in spring or fall. Optimum germination temperatures are 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Surface-sow the seeds and cover them lightly with peat or sand. Expect to see sprouts six months from your sowing date.

    Culture

    • When planting this Lonicera, keep in mind that it may grow up to 30 feet long. The honeysuckle grows in USDA plant hardiness zones 6 to 8, and it thrives in locations with part to full sun. The planting bed may be acidic to partially alkaline, sandy or loam. This is a very versatile plant that needs very little care to produce bountiful flowers and thick foliage. Giant Burmese honeysuckle can tolerate periods of drought once established, and it makes an excellent screen. In warm climates, prevent the spread of the plant by clipping off the seeds in autumn.

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