What soil does Privet honeysuckle grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Privet honeysuckle hardy?

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

How far apart should Privet honeysuckle be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 70 cm between plants. For a hedge, allow 3 plants per metre.

How much water does Privet honeysuckle need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Privet honeysuckle cost?

It sells for roughly €3.50 to €6 in local shops, depending on size.

Privet honeysuckle

Lonicera pileata

Privet honeysuckle (Lonicera pileata) is a ground cover plant. Light: full sun, part shade, shade. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €3.50.

Illustration of Privet honeysuckle — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A low, wide-spreading, dense shrub with small glossy dark green leaves that makes a dependable ground cover in sun or shade, on banks, under trees or as a low clipped edging. Its horizontal branches root where they touch the soil, so it slowly knits into a carpet; it is evergreen in mild winters and drops part of its foliage in hard frost, then leafs out again in spring. The tiny scented flowers and translucent violet berries are mostly hidden under the leaves, and the berries are not for eating.

Watch out for

In Central Europe hard winters, roughly below -20 °C, scorch the foliage or make part of it drop, and on heavy, compacted soil it is more prone to winter sun scorch; it recovers after a spring trim. In full sun on soil that dries out the leaves can burn in summer, so in hot positions give it part shade or regular watering. It does not tolerate waterlogging. Powdery mildew, leaf spots and aphids can occur but are rarely serious. Cut off rooting branches if you do not want it to spread further.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 60 cm × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June, white

Group	Ground cover
Light	Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	60 cm × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	40–90 cm × 1–2.4 m
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	May–June, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	70 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €3.50

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
20+ cm	approx. €6
30-40 cm	approx. €3.50

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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