Lonicera affinis
At a glance
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −23.3 °C
Cultivation
Prefers a good moist soil with its roots in the shade and its top growing into the light. A climbing plant, supporting itself by twining around other plants.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 2 months cold stratification and should be sown as soon as possible in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with or without a heel, July/August in a frame. Good percentage. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 15 - 20cm with or without a heel, November in a cold frame. Good percentage. Layering in autumn.
Edible uses
Fruit. Flowers. Used as a flavouring in drinks.
Medicinal uses
A tea made from the flowers and leaves is used to treat rashes and boils.
Habitat
In thickets or edges of forests, mainly in warm coastal areas at elevations of 10 - 800 metres.
Native range
E. Asia - China, C. and S. Japan.