Overview
Lonicera caprifolium 'Inga' is a climbing, shrubby climber wall shrub in the genus Lonicera, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen, semi-evergreen foliage. Lonicera caprifolium 'Inga' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include climbers, shrubs, hedging, topiary, cottage gardens and wildlife gardens.
About
Lonicera caprifolium 'Inga' is a climbing, shrubby honeysuckle grown on walls, fences and arbours. It flowers from May to August, producing cream blooms with a pink tinge. Foliage behaviour can range from deciduous to semi‑evergreen or evergreen according to site and microclimate. It suits sheltered positions and is valued where a vigorous climber is required.
About the genus
Honeysuckles are arching shrubs or twining vines in the genus Lonicera of the family Caprifoliaceae. The genus includes 158 species native to northern latitudes in North America, Eurasia, and North Africa.
Wikipedia contributors, "Honeysuckle", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Honeysuckle
In the garden
Lonicera caprifolium 'Inga' is a climbing shrub in the Caprifoliaceae, trained on supports where it provides summer blossom. It tolerates a wide range of soils—chalk, clay, loam and sand—and will grow in acid, neutral or alkaline conditions so long as the soil remains moist but well drained. Plant it where it receives full sun or partial shade and where it is sheltered from the coldest exposure; the cultivar is rated H5, i.e. hardy in typical UK gardens. Give the plant a strong support such as a trellis, fence or espalier wire and avoid waterlogged pockets at the roots. It fits several garden roles: trained as a climber on walls, incorporated into mixed shrub borders, or used in wildlife and cottage gardens where summer flowers are appreciated. Prune lightly after flowering to keep growth in check and to encourage renewal of flowering wood. Positioning is flexible—south, east, west or north aspects are all acceptable provided the site is not exposed—and its tolerance of different soils makes it a practical choice for varied plots. Note the characteristic upper leaves that can appear to clasp the stem, a useful field detail when identifying this plant.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lonicera
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Lonicera caprifolium 'Inga' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing, Shrubby
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen, Semi-evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Climbers, Shrubs, Hedging, Topiary, Cottage gardens, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lonicera caprifolium 'Inga'
- Propagation
- Layering, Hardwood cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings, Leaf-bud cuttings, Hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Honeysuckle aphids, Thrips, Glasshouse whitefly
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Fungal leaf spot, Silver leaf, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lonicera caprifolium 'Inga'?
Lonicera caprifolium 'Inga' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lonicera caprifolium 'Inga' need?
Lonicera caprifolium 'Inga' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Lonicera caprifolium 'Inga' hardy in the UK?
Lonicera caprifolium 'Inga' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Lonicera caprifolium 'Inga'?
Layering, Hardwood cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings, Leaf-bud cuttings, Hardwood cuttings.
