About
Lonicera japonica, Japanese honeysuckle, is a vigorous, woody, evergreen or semi-evergreen, twining climber about 10 m tall with dark-green leaves to 8 cm long (deeply lobed on young growth). Tubular, two-lipped, intensely perfumed, purple-flushed white flowers � ageing to yellow � are produced in pairs from the leaf axils over a very long season from spring to late summer, followed by blue-black berries. One of the most fragrant and widely planted climbing honeysuckles. Note: invasive in some regions outside Europe.
About the genus
Lonicera, the honeysuckles, are deciduous and evergreen shrubs and climbers with twining stems, simple leaves and tubular or two-lipped flowers that are often very fragrant, followed by red or black berries. Widely grown for hedging, wildlife gardens, and covering fences, walls and pergolas.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageEvergreen, Semi evergreen
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesMixed borders, hedging, foundation planting.
Native toChina Manchuria Japan Korea
FragranceFlower
ToxicityFruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationThis plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act (Northern Ireland) as an invasive non-native species. Although not banned from sale, it is an offence to plant or cause these to grow in the wild IN NORTHERN IRELAND. Gardeners possessing them should undertake measures to control them. See RHS advice on invasive non-native species for further information Climbing honeysuckle grows best in partial shade but tolerates full sun, and thrives in any fertile, moist but well-drained soil. See honeysuckle (climbing) cultivation
PruningMinimal pruning required. Remove dead or damaged growth as needed.
PropagationPlease see cultivation notes
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to honeysuckle aphids, Thrips and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, fungal leaf spot, silver leaf and honey fungus (rarely)