Great Plant Pick: Lonicera crassifolia, creeping honeysuckle

Published 1:30 am Saturday, June 8, 2019

What: Small dark green, button-shaped leaves adorn the rambling stems of this creeping honeysuckle — they spread along the ground only a few inches high and 3 or more feet long. Lonicera crassifolia’s tiny flowers open along the stems from rosy-red buds tipped in chartreuse and turn orange as they mature; although they are not scented, they are charming in their own right. This evergreen shrublet works very well in containers or a hanging basket.

Where: Plant in full sun to light, or open or dappled shade. The best growing conditions are rich, well-drained soil.

Size: This shrub grows to be 7 inches tall and 7 feet wide when mature.

Care: Water regularly in sun or occasionally to regularly in shade.

— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Picks