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Lonicera xylosteum

Common honeysuckle

Common names: Hedge honeysuckle, Red honeysuckle, Dog honeysuckle

Common honeysuckle

This description was machine-translated.

Description

The Common Hedge Cherry is a native wild shrub used for natural hedges and bird protection. Its paired red berries are poisonous to humans and should not be eaten. For birds, they are an important food source, and its cream‑white flowers in May provide nectar for wild bees and bumblebees. Plant it intentionally as a wild shrub, not for harvest.

Care instructions

Plant the hedge cherry in autumn (October, week 42) in a semi‑shaded to shaded spot; it is one of the few wild shrubs that also thrive in the shade under trees. It is absolutely low‑maintenance and cut‑resistant. Leave the berries for the birds and cut the shrub only to keep it in shape in the hedge. Make sure children do not nibble the poisonous berries.

Soil & site

Soil pH

4.0pH 6–88.0

Soil type

loamy, humus-rich, well-drained, lime-loving, nutrient-rich

LightPartial shade
HardinessHardy
Water needLow

Feeding

Medium feeder

Pruning

MonthsJun–Jul
SeasonSummer (after harvest)
Pruning typeThinning cut

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