Overview
Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica' is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Lonicera, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 4-8 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica' 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 Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
About
Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica', known as early Dutch honeysuckle or Dutch woodbine, is a deciduous climbing shrub in the Caprifoliaceae family. It grows to a height of 4 to 8 metres with a spread of 1 to 1.5 metres, reaching full height in 5 to 10 years. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. It is suitable for all garden aspects and can tolerate both exposed and sheltered locations, offering seasonal 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
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Climbers for trellises, walls, fences; shrubs for borders, hedging, ground covers
- Native to
- Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
- Fragrance
- Strongly fragrant, sweetly scented flowers.
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica'
- Cultivation
- Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded position. Provide support for climbing. Water regularly during dry periods.
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Remove dead or weak stems in late winter or early spring.
- 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 periclymenum 'Belgica'?
Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded position. Provide support for climbing. Water regularly during dry periods.
Where is the best place to plant Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica'?
Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica' need?
Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica' 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 periclymenum 'Belgica'?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Remove dead or weak stems in late winter or early spring.
How big does Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica' grow?
Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica' reaches a height of 4-8 metres and a spread of 1-1.5 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica' hardy in the UK?
Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica' 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 periclymenum 'Belgica'?
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
