Kintzley’s Ghost® Grape Honeysuckle is a unique and eye-catching ornamental vine, prized for its striking silvery bracts and vibrant yellow flowers. This heirloom plant, rediscovered and popularized in modern gardens, is perfect for adding a whimsical, ghostly charm to fences, trellises, and arbors. Its low-maintenance nature and drought tolerance make it an excellent choice for a wide range of landscapes.
Key Features
Common Name: Kintzley’s Ghost® Grape Honeysuckle
Botanical Name: Lonicera reticulata ‘Kintzley’s Ghost’
Family: Caprifoliaceae
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8
Mature Size: 8–12 feet tall, 3–6 feet wide
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Requirements: Well-draining soil; tolerates a variety of soil types
Growth Rate: Moderate
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Notable Characteristics
Foliage and Bracts:
Dense, blue-green foliage creates a lush backdrop.
Unique, silvery-white circular bracts encircle the base of the flowers, persisting long after blooming and resembling ghostly coins.
Flowers:
Clusters of tubular, bright yellow flowers bloom in late spring.
Flowers emit a light fragrance and attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
Fruit:
Produces small, orange-red berries in late summer, providing additional ornamental interest and food for birds.
Growth Habit:
Twining vine that requires support from trellises, fences, or arbors.
Compact enough for smaller gardens and easy to control.
Care Requirements
Planting:
Choose a sunny to partially shaded location for best growth and flowering.
Space plants 3–6 feet apart to allow for proper airflow.
Provide a sturdy structure for climbing, such as a trellis or fence.
Watering:
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots.
Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering in extreme heat.
Pruning:
Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged growth and to shape the vine.
Cut back to encourage bushier growth and prevent overgrowth.
Fertilizing:
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring for healthy growth.
Avoid excessive fertilization, which may reduce flowering.
Pest and Disease Management:
Generally pest-free but may occasionally attract aphids or powdery mildew in humid conditions. Treat with insecticidal soap or fungicide if needed.
Propagation
Cuttings: Propagate from softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.
Seeds: Rarely used; cuttings are more reliable for preserving specific traits of the cultivar.
Uses
Ornamental:
Ideal for fences, trellises, pergolas, or arbors.
Can be used to create privacy screens or garden focal points.
Wildlife-Friendly:
Flowers attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Berries provide food for birds in late summer.
Benefits
Drought Tolerance: Perfect for low-water landscapes once established.
Low Maintenance: Minimal pruning and care are required.
Year-Round Interest: Offers multi-season appeal with silvery bracts, vibrant flowers, and ornamental berries.
Tips for Success
Support Structure: Ensure the plant has a sturdy climbing structure to reach its full potential.
Soil Preparation: While tolerant of various soil types, amend with organic matter for best results.
Companion Planting: Pair with other drought-tolerant perennials or vines like clematis for a stunning combination.
The Kintzley’s Ghost® Grape Honeysuckle is a one-of-a-kind vine that combines charm, resilience, and beauty, making it a standout addition to any garden. Whether trained to climb a trellis or allowed to cascade naturally, it provides unique texture and color throughout the growing season.