Overview
Lonicera purpurascens is a climbing, shrubby climber wall shrub in the genus Lonicera, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen, semi-evergreen foliage. Lonicera purpurascens 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, shrubs, hedging, topiary, cottage gardens and wildlife gardens.
About
Lonicera purpurascens is a climbing shrub cultivar within the Lonicera genus, known for its twining stems and often aromatic tubular or two-lipped flowers that develop into red or black berries. This cultivar is deciduous and thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring sheltered positions with fertile, moist but well-drained soil of various types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for use as a climber on walls, in hedging, or in cottage and wildlife gardens. It is best grown with support and propagated through various cutting methods or layering.
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, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Lonicera purpurascens size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing, Shrubby
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen, Semi-evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Climbers, Shrubs, Hedging, Topiary, Cottage gardens, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lonicera purpurascens
- Propagation
- Layering, Hardwood cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings, Leaf-bud cuttings, Hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Honeysuckle aphids, Thrips, Glasshouse whitefly
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Fungal leaf spot, Silver leaf, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lonicera purpurascens?
Lonicera purpurascens prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lonicera purpurascens need?
Lonicera purpurascens 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.
Is Lonicera purpurascens hardy in the UK?
Lonicera purpurascens 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 purpurascens?
Layering, Hardwood cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings, Leaf-bud cuttings, Hardwood cuttings.
More in the Lonicera genus
- Lonicera caerulea var. edulis 'Blue Moon'
- Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica 'Balalaika' (F)honeyberry 'Balalaika'
- Lonicera canadensis
- Lonicera caprifolium 'Inga'
- Lonicera dioicasmall honeysuckle
- Lonicera glaucescens
- Lonicera henryiHenry's honeysuckle
- Lonicera implexaMinorca honeysuckle
