Does Honeysuckle Grow in Wisconsin?

Yes, honeysuckle grows in Wisconsin. Both native honeysuckle species and highly invasive bush honeysuckles are found throughout the state. The key is choosing the right type for your garden and being aware of the aggressive non-native varieties that can take over natural areas.

What types of honeysuckle grow in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin is home to several honeysuckle species. They fall into two main groups: native ones that support local wildlife and invasive ones that cause problems.

Native honeysuckles include the American fly honeysuckle (Lonicera canadensis) and the limber honeysuckle (Lonicera dioica). These grow as modest shrubs or climbing vines. They produce small, fragrant flowers in late spring. Their berries are red or orange and provide food for birds and small mammals.

Invasive bush honeysuckles are the ones you often see along roadsides and in woods. The common species are Morrow's honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii), Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), and Bell's honeysuckle (Lonicera × bella). These were brought from Asia and Europe as ornamental plants. They spread aggressively, crowding out native plants.

You might also find Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) in southern Wisconsin. This is a woody vine that can smother trees and shrubs. It is less common than bush honeysuckles but still a problem in some areas.

Is honeysuckle invasive in Wisconsin?

Yes, several honeysuckle species are considered invasive in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources lists Morrow's honeysuckle, Tatarian honeysuckle, and Bell's honeysuckle as invasive plants. They are classified as Restricted Invasive Plants under state law. That means you cannot buy, sell, or plant them in Wisconsin.

Japanese honeysuckle is also listed as invasive in parts of the state, but it is not yet widespread in the north. If you see it, report it to your county conservation office.

These invasive honeysuckles spread quickly because birds eat their berries and drop seeds in new places. They leaf out early in spring and hold leaves late into fall, shading out native wildflowers and tree seedlings. They also change soil chemistry, making it harder for other plants to grow.

If you already have invasive honeysuckle on your property, you should remove it. Use pruning shears to cut stems and apply herbicide to stumps. Always follow label directions. A good pair of bypass pruners makes the job easier.

Check out bypass pruners for cutting honeysuckle stems

When does honeysuckle bloom in Wisconsin?

Bloom time depends on the species and your location in Wisconsin. In general, honeseuckles flower in late spring to early summer.

• Native species like American fly honeysuckle bloom in May and June. They produce tubular, pale yellow or white flowers with a pleasant scent.
• Invasive bush honeysuckles also bloom in late May through June. Their flowers are white, pink, or yellow and appear before the leaves fully expand.
• Japanese honeysuckle blooms from June to September, producing white flowers that turn yellow with age.

Flowers are followed by berries. Native honeysuckles usually have red or orange berries in pairs. Invasive ones have orange or red berries that are often clustered. The berries ripen in July and August and stay on the plant into fall.

Blooming can vary by a week or two depending on weather. Cold springs delay flowers. Warm, early springs might bring blooms sooner.

How to grow honeysuckle in Wisconsin?

If you want to grow honeysuckle in Wisconsin, choose a native species. They are well adapted to the climate and soil. Plus, they help local bees, butterflies, and birds.

Plant native honeysuckle in spring or fall. Pick a spot with full sun to part shade. They do best in well‑drained soil but can handle clay or sandy soils once established.

Here are the steps:

1. Select a native species from a local nursery. Ask for American fly honeysuckle or limber honeysuckle. Avoid anything labeled "bush honeysuckle" unless you confirm it is native.
2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Loosen roots if pot‑bound.
3. Place the plant at the same depth it was in the pot. Backfill with soil and water well.
4. Add mulch around the base to keep soil moist and cool. Use wood chips or shredded bark, but keep mulch away from the stem.
5. Water regularly the first year. Once established, native honeysuckles are drought‑tolerant.

For climbing varieties like limber honeysuckle, provide a trellis or fence for support. You can also let it sprawl as a ground cover.

Fertilizer is usually not needed. Too much nitrogen encourages leafy growth and fewer flowers. If your soil is poor, add a layer of compost in spring.

Native honeysuckles rarely have pest problems. Watch for aphids on new growth. A strong spray of water or insecticidal soap will control them.

Prune after flowering to keep the plant tidy. Remove dead or diseased stems. For vine types, cut back old growth to encourage new flowering shoots.

If you want to grow honeysuckle from seed, collect ripe berries in late summer. Remove the pulp and plant seeds in a pot. Cold stratify them (keep them in the refrigerator for 60‑90 days) before planting outdoors in spring. But starting from a nursery plant is much easier.

How to control invasive honeysuckle in Wisconsin?

Controlling invasive honeysuckle is important for your yard and for the wider environment. Small plants can be pulled by hand, especially after rain when soil is soft. Wear gloves because some people get skin irritation.

For larger shrubs, use these methods:

• Cut and treat: Cut the stem close to the ground with loppers or a saw. Immediately paint the stump with a glyphosate or triclopyr herbicide. This prevents regrowth. Use a 20% concentration for best results.
• Brush‑on applicator: Some herbicide brands come with a wipe‑on applicator. This reduces drift and protects nearby plants.
• Foliar spray: For dense patches, spray the leaves with herbicide in late summer or early fall. Avoid spraying when rain is forecast within 24 hours.

Always follow the product label. Use protective clothing. Do not spray near water sources unless the product is approved for aquatic use.

After removal, plant native species to prevent reinvasion. Native shrubs like dogwood, elderberry, and ninebark fill the gap and offer better food for wildlife.

Shop for herbicides suitable for invasive bush honeysuckle

Can you grow honeysuckle in containers in Wisconsin?

Yes, you can grow honeysuckle in containers, but it works best with native vine species like limber honeysuckle. Bush honeysuckles are too large for pots and may spread seeds if they produce berries.

Choose a large pot at least 18 inches wide and deep. Make sure it has drainage holes. Use a high‑quality potting mix, not garden soil.

Place the container in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sun daily. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. In hot summer, you might need to water every day. Overwintering is the challenge in Wisconsin.

To overwinter a container honeysuckle:

• Move the pot to an unheated garage or shed before the first hard freeze.
• Wrap the pot with bubble wrap or insulating fabric to protect roots.
• Water sparingly every few weeks if the soil is dry.
• Bring it back outside in spring after the last frost.

Alternatively, you can bury the pot in the ground for winter and then dig it up in spring. This method works well for small containers.

Container‑grown honeysuckle may need annual repotting or root pruning to stay healthy. Fertilize with a balanced, slow‑release fertilizer in spring.

Where to buy honeysuckle plants in Wisconsin?

You can find native honeysuckle plants at local nurseries that specialize in Wisconsin natives. Some options:

• Johnson's Nursery in Menomonee Falls – sells American fly honeysuckle and other natives.
• Prairie Nursery in Westfield – offers bare‑root plants and seeds.
• Jung Seed in Randolph – carries a variety of vines and shrubs.
• Farmers markets and native plant sales held by conservation groups in spring.

You can also order online. Look for sellers that ship to Wisconsin and clearly label species as native. Avoid buying any bush honeysuckle (Morrow's, Tatarian, Bell's) because it is illegal to plant them in Wisconsin.

Another option is to propagate your own from a friend’s native honeysuckle. Take softwood cuttings in early summer, dip them in rooting hormone, and place them in moist potting soil. Keep them in a shaded spot until roots form.

Find rooting hormone for propagating honeysuckle cuttings

Remember: Plant only native honeysuckle in Wisconsin. You will enjoy the flowers, support local wildlife, and keep your property free of invasive species. Check with your local UW‑Extension office for a list of recommended native plants for your county.

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