About
A twining, evergreen climber to 1.5m in height, with downy shoots and dark green leaves which emerge as dark purple new shoots, turning to dark purple hues on the mature leaves as temperatures go down. In late autumn, small purple berries appear. Pink and white flowers change to the most stunning yellow and orange, appearing all allong the stems from early summer into autumn.
About the genus
Lonicera can be deciduous and evergreen shrubs, or climbers with twining stems. The tubular or two-lipped flowers, often very fragrant, are followed by red or black berries
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil; best in partial shade but tolerant of full sun. See honeysuckle (climbing) cultivation
PruningPruning group 11; prune after flowering to keep a compact habit
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to honeysuckle aphids, Thrips and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free