Southern honeysuckle

Lonicera subspicata

shrubView on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun, part shade

Water

low

Soil

Medium, Slow; Tolerant of a variety of soils including clay and decomposed granite.

Size

8–8ft tall, 20–20ft wide

Bloom

Mar-Aug

Foliage

Evergreen

Deer

Resistant

Fragrant

Yes

Flowers

Prized

Edible

Berries eaten fresh or cooked; traditionally used as food

Native Range

Southern California chaparral in San Diego, Orange, and Ventura counties, 500-3500 ft elevation.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Southern Honeysuckle in full sun to part shade in spring or fall, spacing it where it can climb on a trellis, fence, or neighboring shrub for support. This California native tolerates a wide range of soils - clay, decomposed granite, and everything in between - but ensure the soil has medium to slow drainage; it won't survive in soggy conditions. The plant will eventually reach 8 feet or more, so give it room to sprawl.

After Planting

Water weekly during the first summer to establish a deep root system, then taper to once or twice monthly during summer once established. The biggest mistake Bay Area gardeners make is overwatering; this is a dry-habitat plant that actually prefers neglect once it's settled in. After the first year, prune as needed to direct growth and remove dead wood, though the plant is fairly low-maintenance and deer-resistant, making it excellent for hillsides and hard-to-reach spots.

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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

Crotch's bumblebeeBombus crotchii

Listed under California ESA; range has contracted significantly

CA: Endangered

Sonoran BumblebeeBombus sonorus

Sonoran bumblebee, California candidate

CA: Candidate

Wildlife Supported