Lonicera reticulata (Grape honeysuckle)
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Color Name: Kintzley's Ghost
In spring, Kintzley's Ghost's foliage emerges looking like any other honeysuckle, but as it gets going and develops flower buds, unique blue-white, saucer-shaped bracts form around them, and tubular yellow flowers emerge from the center. They have a light scent and do attract pollinators, including hummingbirds, but it's the bracts that make everyone ask, what is that?! They look quite a bit like a eucalyptus, and remain effective on the plant until it defoliates in autumn. Flowers fade to reveal glistening red berries in each bract, but not to worry - this North American native species is not invasive and won't make a nuisance of itself.
Growing Tips: Durable and easy to grow. Vines around structures without intervention.
Soil: Adaptable to most any soil; avoid excessively wet areas.
Pruning: Little required. Blooms on old wood but pruning after blooming will remove the most ornamental feature, the blue leaf bracts around the blooms.
Uses: Covering trellises, obelisks, railings, fences, and posts.
Photo courtesy of Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc.
In spring, Kintzley's Ghost's foliage emerges looking like any other honeysuckle, but as it gets going and develops flower buds, unique blue-white, saucer-shaped bracts form around them, and tubular yellow flowers emerge from the center. They have a light scent and do attract pollinators, including hummingbirds, but it's the bracts that make everyone ask, what is that?! They look quite a bit like a eucalyptus, and remain effective on the plant until it defoliates in autumn. Flowers fade to reveal glistening red berries in each bract, but not to worry - this North American native species is not invasive and won't make a nuisance of itself.
Growing Tips: Durable and easy to grow. Vines around structures without intervention.
Soil: Adaptable to most any soil; avoid excessively wet areas.
Pruning: Little required. Blooms on old wood but pruning after blooming will remove the most ornamental feature, the blue leaf bracts around the blooms.
Uses: Covering trellises, obelisks, railings, fences, and posts.
Photo courtesy of Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc.
Flower Color: Yellow Shades Foliage Color: Blue/Green Shades
Height: 6 to 12 Feet Spread: 4 to 5 Feet Hardy in Zone: 5 |
Blooms: Late Spring / Early Summer
Foliage Season: All Season |
Growth Rate |
Rapid
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Attributes |
Fragrant Native Trellis or Wall Landscapes Easy to Grow Colorful Foliage Berries Mass Planting Specimen Plant
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