Silvery-blue foliage is a must in the summer backyard; its own calming coolness soothes just like water. Kintzley’s Ghost honeysuckle (Lonicera reticulata)not only includes amazing “ghosted” blue bracts (technical leaves), but its own vining habit makes it useful for providing shade and privacy in the garden too.
Jocelyn H. Chilvers
Botanical name: Lonicera reticulata ‘Kintzley’s Ghost’
Common name: Kintzley’s Ghost honeysuckle
USDA zones: 4 to 8 (find your zone)
Elevation range: Up to 8,000 feet
Water requirement: Moderate
moderate requirement: Full to partial sun
Mature size: 8 to 12 feet tall; 3 to 6 feet wide
advantages and tolerances: Adaptable to full sun and partial shade; attracts butterflies
When to plant: April into September
Seasonal attention: Deciduous. Yellow flowers in late spring followed by red berries in summer time; decorative bracts persist throughout the growing season.
Jocelyn H. Chilvers
Distinguishing attributes: Small tubular yellow flowers are backed by silver dollar-like around bracts reminiscent of Eucalyptus.
Jocelyn H. Chilvers
The way to use it : Plant Kintzley’s Ghost honeysuckle where you are able to enjoy its ghostly white colour in the low evening light. A single specimen creates a stunning vertical accent plant, or plant several as a display. As a twining-type blossom, it is going to develop best on a service structure with small-diameter elements such as lattice, chain link, wrought iron, etc..
Jocelyn H. Chilvers
Growing Kintzley’s Ghost honeysuckle on a larger post or wall coating will require using supplemental wire or cable supports. Instead this honeysuckle would look wonderful planted on top of a retaining wall and permitted to ramble and drape over the wall.
Jocelyn H. Chilvers
Produce a dynamic companion planting by comparing Kintzley’s Ghost honeysuckle with finely textured plants which possess rich green foliage. Consider ornamental grasses, asters, tickseed (Coreopsis spp), and perennial geraniums (Geranium spp). Other options include woody shrubs such as alpine currant (Ribes alpinum), zones 2-6; Cheyenne mock orange (Philadelphus lewisii ‘Cheyenne’), zones 3-9; along with North Star spruce (Picea glauca ‘North Star’), zone 3.
Jocelyn H. Chilvers
Planting notes. Kintzley’s Ghost honeysuckle may be improved readily in most lands, though they should be amended with organic matter. Strategy on moderate watering once established.
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