Kintzley's Ghost Honeysuckle

Lonicera reticulata ‘Kintzley’s Ghost’

Kintzley’s Ghost® Honeysuckle is a cold-hardy, ornamental vine known for its silvery-blue foliage, bright yellow flowers, and unique circular bracts that give it a ghostly, moonlit appearance. It is a non-invasive, low-maintenance, drought-tolerant vine that climbs trellises, fences, and arbors beautifully. This rare and striking honeysuckle is perfect for adding vertical interest to landscapes in Southwest Saskatchewan.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 4-8 (cold-hardy, but benefits from sheltered locations in Zone 3)
• Mature Size:
  • Height: 8-12 feet tall (when given support to climb)
  • Spread: 4-6 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast (1-2 feet per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade (best flowering and foliage color in 6+ hours of direct sun)
• Soil Preference:
  • Prefers well-drained, loamy soil.
  • Tolerates clay, sandy, and slightly alkaline soils.
  • Avoid standing water, as it dislikes soggy roots.
• Spacing: 4-6 feet apart when planting multiple vines.

Watering

• Young Plants (First Year): Water deeply 1-2 times per week to establish roots.
• Established Vines: Drought-tolerant but benefits from deep watering every 10-14 days in dry conditions.
• Avoid Overwatering: Prefers moderate soil moisture but does not tolerate overly wet conditions.

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—focus on root establishment.
• Mature Vines:
  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring to encourage strong growth and flowering.
  • Organic alternative: Compost or well-rotted manure in spring.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts.
• How to Prune:
  • Remove dead, damaged, or weak branches to promote healthy growth.
  • Trim lightly after flowering to maintain shape and control size.
  • Older plants can be rejuvenated by cutting back one-third of the oldest stems every 3-4 years.

Flowers, Foliage & Seasonal Interest

• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May-June), with bracts persisting into fall
• Flower Color: Bright yellow tubular blooms attract hummingbirds and pollinators.
• Bracts & Foliage:
  • Spring & Summer: Silvery-blue leaves with large, round, ghostly silvery-green bracts
  • Fall: Bracts and foliage take on a subtle golden tone before dropping

Pest & Disease Management

Resistant to: Drought, deer, urban pollution, and most pests

Common Pests:

• Aphids – May cause curled leaves and sticky honeydew.
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce ladybugs.
• Spider Mites – Can cause leaf discoloration in hot, dry conditions.
  • Solution: Hose off with water or use insecticidal soap.

Common Diseases:

• Powdery Mildew – White fungal coating on leaves in humid conditions.
  • Solution: Improve airflow and apply fungicide if needed.
• Leaf Spot (Fungal or Bacterial) – Brown spots on foliage.
  • Solution: Avoid overhead watering and remove infected leaves.

Winter Protection

• Highly winter-hardy in Zone 4-8, but may need some protection in Zone 3.
• Mulching: Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base (not touching the stems) to insulate roots.
• Shelter from harsh winter winds in colder climates to prevent dieback.

Landscape Uses

Ideal for fences, trellises, pergolas, and arbors
Attractive silvery foliage and bracts provide season-long interest
Bright yellow flowers attract pollinators
Low-maintenance and non-invasive
Works well in both modern and cottage-style gardens

Additional Notes:

• Kintzley’s Ghost® Honeysuckle is one of the most unique honeysuckle varieties, offering stunning silvery bracts and bright yellow blooms.
• Lifespan: 20+ years with proper care.
• Non-invasive – Unlike Japanese honeysuckle, this vine won’t take over your landscape.
• Works well as a climbing vine or trained along fences and walls for dramatic effect.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners