About
A medium-sized, deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub with narrowly-ovate leaves; leaves are bronze when young before turning dark green as they mature. The small, sweetly-scented pink-cream flowers are typically borne on bare stems in winter and early spring and can be followed by red berries in summer.
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, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal
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
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; flowers will be produced more profusely in full sun. See honeysuckle (shrubby) cultivation
PruningPruning group 2
PropagationPropagate by greenwood cuttings in summer or 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)