Privet Honeysuckle (Lonicera pileata) is a small, native compact ground cover plant. This low growing evergreen shrub boasts long, arching horizontal branches of dark green leaves that stretch a decent distance from the center of the plant.

As summer begins, the dark green foliage of the shrub begins to boast small, fragrant white flowers in clusters dotted atop the leaves. They’ll look a little like twinkling stars in a sky made of soft green foliage.

Pleasant on the nose and the eyes, these flowers make for a scrumptious stop on a pollinator’s quest for nectar. Sit back and enjoy their fluttering flights.

The fragrant spring flowers transition into deep, amethyst purple berries as mid summer approaches.

These berries aren’t exactly a delicacy among people, but birds seem to like them! If you’re interested in dabbling in the art of birdwatching, this shrub is a must have!

The Privet Honeysuckle has a wide planting potential that makes it a great addition to nearly any yard or growing space. This fantastic shrub is available now!

How to Use Privet Honeysuckle in the Landscape

The native status of the Privet Honeysuckle makes it a great addition to naturalization attempts in many parts of the country.

Privet Honeysuckle is sure to help the native wildlife wherever it calls home as well! Pollinators will benefit from the flowers of this shrub, while birds can stop for a little berry snack as the summer goes on.

The deep greens and subtle flowering of this ground cover makes it a great addition to a woodland garden! The low growth makes it a great backdrop for smaller flowering plants, or midground for taller perennial plants to burst through its foliage.

The low, compact growth of this shrub makes for a perfect groundcover plant. Use this in stone lined beds or mulched island areas as a way to control space in the environment and fill voids in the display.

Several of these Privet Honeysuckles can be used in close proximity for areas in need of mass plantings. These ground covers should grow together well to both hide empty space in a growing area and maintain an attractive continuity of foliage.

The strong root system of this shrub also makes it a great solution to erosion in your area! Plant this evergreen on slopes or banks you’re concerned about eroding over time and it should help keep the earth together as it takes root in its new home.

#ProPlantTips for Care

The Privet Honeysuckle has very little issues when it comes to insects or diseases. Aphids pose one of the larger threats to your shrub, so keep an eye out for the little green pests and maybe catch a few ladybugs to keep around your garden.

This shrub isn’t picky about how it soaks up the sun! This plant thrives between full sun and partial shade, just make sure it’s getting a daily dose of rays to promote healthy growth.

Part of what helps the Privet Honeysuckle as a solution to erosion is its ability to adapt to many kinds of drained soil conditions. This plant does not handle scorching hot soil well, though, so consider shade planting or mulch to prevent damage to your shrub.

If your honeysuckle starts to grow a little bit wide for your liking this plant takes to pruning pretty well. Be sure to wait until late winter to prune in order to prevent damaging future growth.

The Privet Honeysuckle is an excellent addition to many growing areas for its pleasant coloration, fragrance and variety of strategies for planting. Be sure to order your own today from our expert growers here at Nature Hills Nursery!