Blue-Fly Honeysuckle: A Mysterious Honeysuckle Worth Understanding
If you’ve stumbled across the name blue-fly honeysuckle in your gardening research, you’re likely dealing with one of the more enigmatic members of the honeysuckle family. Lonicera emphyllocalyx is a plant that seems to prefer staying out of the spotlight – and for good reason, as very little is definitively known about this particular species.
What We Know (And Don’t Know)
Blue-fly honeysuckle is classified as a perennial shrub, typically growing as a multi-stemmed woody plant that usually stays under 13 to 16 feet in height. Like other shrubs in its family, it generally produces several stems from or near ground level, though environmental conditions can sometimes influence its growth pattern.
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit frustrating for us plant enthusiasts): this particular honeysuckle species is something of a botanical mystery. While it’s documented as a non-native species that has established itself in parts of Canada, specifically Ontario, detailed information about its characteristics, growing requirements, and garden performance is surprisingly scarce.
Geographic Distribution
Currently, blue-fly honeysuckle is documented as growing in Ontario, Canada, where it’s considered a non-native species that has naturalized and reproduces without human intervention.
Should You Plant Blue-Fly Honeysuckle?
This is where gardening gets tricky. With limited information available about this species’ invasive potential, growing requirements, and garden performance, it’s difficult to make a strong recommendation either way. The lack of readily available information might also mean difficulty sourcing this plant from reputable nurseries.
Better Native Alternatives
If you’re drawn to honeysuckles for your garden, consider these well-documented native alternatives that offer proven benefits:
- American Fly Honeysuckle (Lonicera canadensis) – A native shrub with small yellow flowers and red berries beloved by birds
- Mountain Fly Honeysuckle (Lonicera villosa) – Another native option with blue-black berries that wildlife adore
- Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) – A native vine with stunning red tubular flowers that hummingbirds can’t resist
Growing Conditions and Care
Unfortunately, specific growing requirements for blue-fly honeysuckle aren’t well-documented. Based on its family characteristics, it would likely prefer:
- Partial shade to full sun
- Well-draining soil
- Regular watering during establishment
However, without concrete data, these are educated guesses based on related species.
The Bottom Line
While blue-fly honeysuckle might sound intriguing, the lack of available information makes it a questionable choice for most gardeners. Instead of gambling on an unknown quantity, why not choose one of the many well-researched native honeysuckles that will provide guaranteed benefits to both your garden and local wildlife?
Sometimes in gardening, the most mysterious plants aren’t necessarily the most rewarding ones to grow. Stick with proven performers that support your local ecosystem – your garden (and the local birds and pollinators) will thank you for it!
