Photo: Leon PerrieCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Hildebrand's Honeysuckle Plant Care
Lonicera hildebrandiana Collett & Hemsl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's striking elongated red tubular flowers with yellow tips make it stand out in any garden. Originating from China, Lonicera hildebrandiana is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare and unique appearance, adding a touch of exotic beauty to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to part shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Hildebrand's Honeysuckle?
Water Hildebrand's Honeysuckle every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Hildebrand's Honeysuckle Native To?
What Is the Hildebrand's Honeysuckle?
Hildebrand's Honeysuckle (Lonicera hildebrandiana) belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family within the Lonicera genus. Hildebrand's Honeysuckle is native to southeast Asia, in China, Thailand and Burma at elevations of 1,000 to 2,300 m. Hildebrand's Honeysuckle is also known as Giant Burmese Honeysuckle.
Hildebrand's Honeysuckle displays a vining, twining shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Hildebrand's Honeysuckle produces fragrant tubular flowers in shades of white, pink, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hildebrand's Honeysuckle?
Lonicera hildebrandiana requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Hildebrand's Honeysuckle Need?
Hildebrand's Honeysuckle thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hildebrand's Honeysuckle Prefer?
Lonicera hildebrandiana grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Hildebrand's Honeysuckle prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hildebrand's Honeysuckle?
Rich, well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Hildebrand's Honeysuckle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hildebrand's Honeysuckle?
Feed Hildebrand's Honeysuckle every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Hildebrand's Honeysuckle?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Hildebrand's Honeysuckle?
Hildebrand's Honeysuckle can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to trumpet honeysuckle plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Hildebrand's Honeysuckle Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Berries may be mildly toxic if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Hildebrand's Honeysuckle?
Hildebrand's Honeysuckle is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Hildebrand's Honeysuckle Need?
Hildebrand's Honeysuckle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Hildebrand's Honeysuckle is native to southeast Asia, in China, Thailand and Burma at elevations of 1,000 to 2,300 m. In cooler regions, grow Hildebrand's Honeysuckle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Hildebrand's Honeysuckle is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Lonicera genus — compare its care with other Lonicera species on PlantoScan.
Lonicera is part of the Caprifoliaceae plant family — browse all Caprifoliaceae genera and species.
Hildebrand's Honeysuckle thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Lonicera Species
Other Lonicera species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lonicera hildebrandiana Collett & Hemsl., family Caprifoliaceae (first published in J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 28: 64 (1890)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Hildebrand's Honeysuckle is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Leon Perrie, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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