Bush honeysuckle

Bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera) Seeds

$ 4.75

This tough shrub has glossy green foliage with new leaves tinged with red. Small yellow flowers bloom for a long time in the summer and are pollinated by bumblebees. Arching stems can be cut down to the ground to keep low or left to reach 4 feet. This shrub expands from its root system to make a colony — perfect for slopes, planting under trees, and as a ground cover. Mixes well with other shrub ground covers. Read our blog post on native ground covers.

Native to Maine: Yes

Growing conditions: Sun to shade in medium to dry soil

Grows up to: 4'

Blooms: In mid-summer

Natural habitat: Deciduous and coniferous forests and edges with moist to dry soils

Seeds per packet: 50-100

Germination Code(s): A
"A" seeds do not need a winter or cold period to germinate. Sow these seeds outdoors in pots from November through April. This species is challenging to grow, and a great species for more experienced seed-sowers.

Each seed package carries a specific germination code along with the plant description. These codes indicate specific sowing instructions.

  • A Seeds can be sown outdoors in fall or early spring.
  • B Seeds need a winter or cold period to germinate. Sow outdoors in fall or winter.
  • C Seeds need light to germinate; sow on soil surface and leave uncovered.
  • D Seeds need alternating cycles of warm-to-cold-to-warm to germinate. They can be sown either outdoors in spring or summer and will germinate the following year or in a flat in a warm place for 3 months, then moved to a refrigerator for 2 months, then moved outside in the early summer warmth.
  • E Seeds can not be allowed to dry out. Sow immediately.
  • F Seeds take two years to germinate. Sow outside in the fall or winter and look for germination in the second spring. A shady location prevents the flats from rapid drying and reduces weeding
  • G Large seeds should be soaked overnight in water.
  • FERN: Sow spores in a warm bright location in a sealed container and keep moist. Directions enclosed with package. Challenging.

If you have specific questions about seeds and germination guidelines please contact us at info@wildseedproject.net.

All seeds can be sown and placed outdoors in fall or winter bypassing the need for an artificial indoor cold stratification (refrigerator) required for some species when planted in spring. This is the simplest method. See How to Grow Natives From Seed for detailed instructions.