A Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Flowering Shrubs variety, Lonicera Kintzley's Ghost® is a native deciduous perennial vine that blooms in a heavy early summer flush of tubular yellow flowers arranged in terminal clusters. The nectar- and pollen-rich flowers have a light scent and entice pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. But it's the unique showy bracts that surround the flowers that really steal the show. The silver dollar-sized bracts look similar to eucalyptus with their circular shape and ghostly greenish blue color. They remain on the plant until it defoliates in autumn and make a beautiful backdrop for the glistening red berries that follow the flowers.
A Lonicera reticulata, commonly called honeysuckle or grape honeysuckle, Kintzley's Ghost has a climbing, twining habit and a vigorous growth rate, but is non-invasive. Grape honeysuckle quickly covers arbors, trellises, walls, or fences; and a single specimen also makes an unusually beautiful accent or cascade over a wall.
Cold hardy to Zone 4 and low maintenance, honeysuckle grows best in a sunny to partly shady location with humusy, organically rich, medium moist, well-draining soil. Some afternoon shade may be beneficial in hot summer climates. Kintzley's Ghost is drought tolerant and deer resistant. Any desired pruning should be done immediately after flowering.
A native plant, grape honeysuckle is indigenous to North America, primarily in the Appalachian Mountains. Native plants are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. Naturally adapted to the climate and soil conditions of the region, they thrive without fertilizers or extra watering, once established. They also act as natural pest controls, reducing the need for pesticides in the garden. Landscaping with native plants promotes biodiversity and provides shelter and quality food for wildlife and pollinators, bringing gardens to life.
