Lonicera japonica Aureoreticulata

Aureoreticulata Honeysuckle

Lonicera japonica ‘Aureoreticulata’ (Variegated Japanese Honeysuckle) is a twining, semi-evergreen to deciduous vine with bright green leaves intricately netted in golden yellow, with the veining usually strongest in full sun. It is grown as much for its foliage as for its flowers, and this cultivar is noted as being less vigorous than the species. Fragrant white flowers aging to creamy yellow appear as the plant matures.

Type: Vine
Mature Size: 3–6' W × 15–20' H
USDA Zones: 4a–9b
Form: Twining, climbing, trailing

Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil / Water: Well-drained, adaptable soils; moderate water, prefers even moisture during establishment
Bloom Time / Length: Late spring into summer; lightly fragrant, variable bloom period as plant matures

Wildlife: Butterflies; birds may eat the berries on Japanese honeysuckle forms.

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for trellises, fences, arbors, or cascading from containers where the gold-veined foliage can be seen up close. Best ornamental feature is the unusual yellow reticulation in the leaves rather than heavy flowering.

Care:
Give it support and prune as needed to control size and shape. Full sun usually gives the best golden leaf veining. One caution: Japanese honeysuckle as a species is widely considered invasive in many parts of the U.S., so planting should be checked against local guidance before use. 

Plant type

Vine

Height

15-20'

Width

3-6'

Hardiness zones

4–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring

Flower color

Sunglow

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Highly Adaptable, Well Drained

Landscape use

Trellis

Shape

Climbing

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No