Overview
Lonicera periclymenum 'Graham Thomas' 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 'Graham Thomas' 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, common names honeysuckle, common honeysuckle, European honeysuckle, or woodbine, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caprifoliaceae native to much of Europe, North Africa, Turkey and the Caucasus. It is found as far north as southern Norway, Sweden and Finland.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lonicera periclymenum
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
- North-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Lonicera periclymenum 'Graham Thomas' 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 'Graham Thomas'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny or partially shaded position. Supports climbing structures such as trellises or walls. Regular watering during dry periods is beneficial.
- Pruning
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Avoid heavy pruning as it flowers on old wood.
- 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 'Graham Thomas'?
Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny or partially shaded position. Supports climbing structures such as trellises or walls. Regular watering during dry periods is beneficial.
Where is the best place to plant Lonicera periclymenum 'Graham Thomas'?
Lonicera periclymenum 'Graham Thomas' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Lonicera periclymenum 'Graham Thomas' need?
Lonicera periclymenum 'Graham Thomas' 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 'Graham Thomas'?
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Avoid heavy pruning as it flowers on old wood.
How big does Lonicera periclymenum 'Graham Thomas' grow?
Lonicera periclymenum 'Graham Thomas' 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 'Graham Thomas' hardy in the UK?
Lonicera periclymenum 'Graham Thomas' 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 'Graham Thomas'?
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
