About
A compact deciduous shrub reaching up to 60cm in height. Leaves undivided, ovate to oblong, in pairs, green with a more glaucous underside. Flowers are intensely aromatic, borne in clusters at the ends of the shoots. Flower buds are purple-pink, opening to pinkish white becoming a buff yellow as the flowers mature.
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
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
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 compact variety is ideal for small spaces such as containers or for positions near the front of flower borders. Evening scented flowers attracts pollinating moths. Honeysuckle grows best in partial shade but tolerates full sun, and thrives in any fertile, moist but well-drained soil. See Honeysuckle (Climbing) cultivation
PruningPruning group 11 after flowering
PropagationPropagate by layering, hardwood cuttings or semi-hardwood cuttings
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)