Overview
Lonicera henryi is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Lonicera, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 4-8 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Lonicera henryi 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 for trellises, walls, fences; shrubs for borders, hedging and ground covers. It is native to China.
About
Lonicera henryi, commonly known as Henry's honeysuckle, is an evergreen climbing shrub belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family. It grows to a height of 4-8 metres with a spread of 0.5-1 metres, reaching full height within 2-5 years. This versatile climber thrives in full sun or partial shade and can be grown on east-, north-, or west-facing aspects. It tolerates a range of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. Lonicera henryi is suitable for both exposed and sheltered locations, offering interest in summer and winter.
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
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
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Lonicera henryi size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Climbers for trellises, walls, fences; shrubs for borders, hedging, ground covers
- Native to
- China
- Fragrance
- Mildly fragrant flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lonicera henryi
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist but well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and aspects; grows well in full sun or partial shade; suitable for exposed and sheltered locations.
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove dead or weak stems.
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, greenwood cuttings in summer, hardwood cuttings in autumn, seed sowing in cold frame
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Leaf roller, Scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew, Leaf spots, Blights
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Lonicera henryi?
Prefers moist but well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and aspects; grows well in full sun or partial shade; suitable for exposed and sheltered locations.
Where is the best place to plant Lonicera henryi?
Lonicera henryi prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Lonicera henryi need?
Lonicera henryi 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.
How do I prune Lonicera henryi?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove dead or weak stems.
How big does Lonicera henryi grow?
Lonicera henryi reaches a height of 4-8 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Lonicera henryi hardy in the UK?
Lonicera henryi 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 henryi?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, greenwood cuttings in summer, hardwood cuttings in autumn, seed sowing in cold frame.
More in the Lonicera genus
- Lonicera caerulea 'Altaj' (F)Honeyberry
- Lonicera caprifolium 'Inga'Italian Woodbine
- Lonicera periclymenum 'Assynt Cream'Honeysuckle
