About
The tubular flowers, arranged in terminal whorls, are orange-red on the outside and yellow-orange inside. A deciduous climber, the leaves and young stems are bronze in spring, maturing to glossy, dark green. The main flush of flower is in early summer, with intermittent blooms until 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 typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
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
CultivationGrow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Tolerates full sun but is less prone to aphids and mildew in semi-shade
PruningPruning group 11
PropagationPropagate by layering or take hardwood cuttings in autumn
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)