Hall's Honeysuckle

Hall's Honeysuckle is a perennial, and spreads well on its own, making it an economical choice as a ground cover

Whether you are looking for a ground cover to control erosion or make it easier to manage a hillside, Halls Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica, is an excellent choice. Native to eastern Asia, Halls Honeysuckle has been in the US since the early 1800s. It is a twining vine, which means, if planted near a trellis or railing, it will climb. However, planted on the ground, it will spread and twine on itself, creating a dense mat of growth.

 The flowers are white when they open, then gradually turn yellow as the blooms age. The flowers also release a pleasant vanilla scent. Depending on the climate, Halls Honeysuckle blooms from mid-spring through early fall. In the fall, Halls Honeysuckle produces black berries that provide food for birds and other wildlife through the autumn and into the winter. The honeysuckle often holds onto its leaves through the winter, only losing them when the new season growth starts.

Hall's Honeysuckle is known for its rapid growth, which makes it well suited for erosion control

In fact, a single honeysuckle plant can produce 30 feet of growth in one season. For individuals who have a large area to cover, Halls Honeysuckle is an excellent choice. Disturbing the soil around the plant will encourage it to spread. This allows you to cover a large area with a minimal investment.

Hall's Honeysuckles are several reasons you may want to use Halls Honeysuckle as a ground cover. If you have a section of lawn that is difficult to access, such as a steep embankment, planting a ground cover such as Halls Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica means you don't have to mow that area. The vines will spread along the ground, forming a dense mat that other grasses will not penetrate.

Halls Honeysuckle is also a good choice in areas that have other, less desirable, vining plants, such as poison ivy. Planting Halls Honeysuckle in these areas will choke out the less adaptable poison ivy.

Halls Honeysuckle provides tremendous benefits to wildlife

The nectar attracts hummingbirds, the berries provide food for a variety of birds and small animals, and deer will feed on the entire plant. None of this damages the hardy Halls Honeysuckle. It remains dense, providing a safe habitat for smaller creatures, such as chipmunks and birds, to shelter in.

As you can see, Halls Honeysuckle provides many benefits to both the urban and suburban gardener. Whether you want a small patch so you can enjoy the smell from your porch or a long row alongside your property line, Hall's Honeysuckle provides many benefits and plenty of enjoyment.