High Country Gardens
Lonicera reticulata Kintzley's Ghost
Best low-maintenance climber for gardeners seeking pollinator-friendly, deer-resistant seasonal interest.
Discover the Kintzley's Ghost® Honeysuckle Vine, a rare heirloom native rediscovered from the 1880s. This striking vine offers a unique visual appeal with showy yellow flowers in late spring, followed by large, bright silver bracts that persist through summer. It thrives in various soil types and prefers partial to full sun. Attracting butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds, this deer-resistant plant is also low-maintenance and suitable for screening or container planting, reaching up to 12 feet.
$16.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1635
/ 2688
#1635 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-57%
Below average
Growth Habit
Vine
/ Vine
Who it's for
- Eco-conscious gardeners prioritizing native species and local bird populations
- Gardeners seeking unique visual interest during the late autumn season
- Homeowners in harsh climates needing low-maintenance, resilient landscape plants
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate, full-scale growth upon planting
- Gardeners lacking the time or materials to install structural supports
- Fragrance lovers hoping for the classic sweet honeysuckle scent
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Silver bracts create a dramatic, long-lasting aesthetic unlike typical garden vines.
Pollinator Attraction
A reliable magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies throughout the growing season.
Maintenance Effort
Low-maintenance growth habits make this an ideal choice for busy gardeners.
Deer Resistance
Robust defense mechanisms keep browsing wildlife from damaging your landscape investment.
Environmental Adaptability
Thrives across diverse soil types and varying light conditions with ease.
Design Versatility
Perfectly suited for vertical screening or contained patio arrangements.
Key Specs
Growth Habit
Vine
Mature Height
8-12' tall
Mature Spread
3-5 feet wide
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
USDA Hardiness Zones
4-8
Plant Life Cycle
Perennial
Water Requirement
Moderate
Soil Type Preference
Sandy, Clay, Well-drained
Features
- Striking silver bracts provide summer-long interest.
- Attracts beneficial pollinators and birds.
- Deer resistant for worry-free enjoyment.
- Adaptable to various soil conditions.
- Ideal for screening or container gardens.
- Easy to grow and low maintenance.
- Fragrant blooms add sensory appeal.
- Heirloom variety with historical significance.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the striking design of Kintzley's Ghost, noting the beautiful silvery white bracts that make it stand out in the garden. This unique aesthetic is the primary draw. Reviewers frequently highlight the plant's excellent quality and reliability, reporting that the vines arrive healthy and establish quickly, even in challenging conditions. The vigorous growth and hardiness meet expectations for a specialty vine. Consumers feel this unique visual impact justifies the investment, making it a highly recommended choice for gardeners seeking architectural interest.
Know before you buy
Yes, as a vining plant reaching up to 12 feet, it requires a sturdy trellis, fence, or arbor to climb. It does not have tendrils that cling to flat surfaces, so you will need to tie the stems to your support structure as it grows.
Kintzley's Ghost is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. It is a robust perennial that can handle cold winters and a variety of soil types, including clay and sandy conditions.
For the best performance and most vibrant silver bracts, plant it in a location that receives full sun to partial sun. While it is adaptable, more sunlight generally encourages stronger growth and more prolific flowering.
Yes, this variety is considered deer resistant. While no plant is entirely deer-proof if food sources are scarce, deer typically avoid this honeysuckle due to its texture and taste.
Absolutely. Because it is a manageable vine, it performs well in large containers. Ensure your pot has adequate drainage and provide a trellis within the container for the vine to climb.
This vine has moderate water requirements. Once established, it is relatively low-maintenance, but you should water it regularly during dry spells to keep the foliage healthy and support the development of the silver bracts.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$17