The more than 180 species of honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) Contain both vines and shrubs. Honeysuckle vines are grown for their showy, fragrant flowers, which are a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies. The honeysuckle fruits also bring birds. Honeysuckle vines can quickly cover a trellis or fence. How quickly they grow depends on the variety, soil fertility, moisture and sunlight.
How Fast is Fast
In a woody plant, quick growth means more than 2 to 3 feet each year. Honeysuckles readily outdo that by expanding from 7 to 30 feet, depending on the variety and conditions. Because flowers are made on 1- year or 2-year-old timber, the vine should be pruned back after flowering every year so that it can produce new wood. Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), that is hardy at U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 to 9, and also the one that you’re most likely to visit at garden centers, readily grows 7 to 10 feet tall within a year but needs support or it’s going to be shrubby.
Moisture
Honeysuckle is somewhat drought-tolerant but to get the vine to grow tall rapidly, the soil should not be permitted to dry out completely. Mulch around the base of the plant to keep moisture. The vines will not tolerate standing water , either. For best results, plant the honeysuckle at well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter.
Soil Fertility
Honeysuckle vines will grow quicker in fertile soil. A program of balanced fertilizer in early spring and in the early summer will speed increase. Don’t over-fertilize with nitrogen because the pudding can grow rapidly but make all leaves and no flowers. Don’t fertilize after the middle of summer because this will make a growth spurt before the dormant season, which may weaken the plants.
Tallest Species
Apart from the invasive Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), the species that grow tallest are giant Burmese honeysuckle (Lonicera hildebrandiana), that grows in USDA zones 6 to 8, and also Dutch honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) that is appropriate for USDA zones 5 to 9. Dutch honeysuckle grows more slowly compared to the other species however will reach 22 feet. Giant Burmese honeysuckle grows to 30 feet, has large leaves and flowers that remain on the plant longer than other honeysuckles.