Lonicera x heckrottii 'American Beauty' - Mana Maicii Domnului, Caprifoi

Lonicera x heckrottii 'American Beauty' is a hybrid variety of honeysuckle, renowned for its fragrant, bicolored flowers and decorative appearance. This climbing plant is a combination of Lonicera sempervirens and Lonicera etrusca, inheriting attractive traits from both parents, and is prized for its vibrant beauty and sweet fragrance.

Flower appearance

• Shape : The flowers are tubular, typical of honeysuckle, 4-5 cm long. They open at the tip, forming a wide mouth, and are grouped in clusters at the end of the stems.
• Color : The outside of the flowers is a deep coral pink or orange-red, while the inside is golden yellow, creating a spectacular two-tone contrast. As the flowers age, the hues may become more pastel.
• Fragrance : It exudes a sweet and intense fragrance, which attracts pollinators such as butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.
• Flowering period : Blooms from June to September, sometimes even into October, providing a long-lasting floral presence. In mild climates, it may produce flowers sporadically throughout the year.
• Fruits : After flowering, small, red fruits appear, which are decorative but not edible for humans (they can be toxic in large quantities).

Growth characteristics

• Height : It grows up to 3-5 meters, being a vigorous climber, but not as aggressive as other honeysuckle species, such as Lonicera japonica.
• Foliage : The leaves are oval, dark green, semi-evergreen, meaning that in mild climates it may retain some of its leaves over winter. They are arranged oppositely on the stems and have a smooth texture.
• Vigor : It is a robust, fast-growing plant, ideal for covering vertical structures.

Growing conditions

• Exposure : Prefers full sun for maximum flowering, but also tolerates semi-shade, provided it receives at least 4-6 hours of light daily.
• Soil : Adapts to most soils, but thrives in well-drained, fertile soils with a neutral or slightly acidic pH. It also tolerates poorer soils.
• Watering : Requires regular watering, especially in the first year, but is relatively drought tolerant once established.
• Pruning : Does not require strict pruning, but can be shaped in early spring (March) to control size or remove dead wood. Pruning after flowering can stimulate a new round of flowers.

Care and resistance

• Resistance : It is resistant to cold and most diseases and pests, although it may be susceptible to aphids under stressful conditions.
• Fertilization : A balanced fertilizer applied in spring supports abundant growth and flowering.

Origin

Lonicera x heckrottii 'American Beauty' is a hybrid developed in the United States, part of the heckrottii group, combining features of North American and European honeysuckle species. The name 'American Beauty' reflects its distinctive beauty and origins, having been introduced to highlight the bicolor flowers and intense fragrance.