Overview
Lonicera subspicata is a climbing, shrubby climber wall shrub in the genus Lonicera, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen, semi-evergreen foliage. Lonicera subspicata 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 subspicata is a climbing, shrubby cultivar within the Lonicera genus, which includes both deciduous and evergreen shrubs and climbers with twining stems. This cultivar can be deciduous, evergreen, or semi-evergreen and thrives in full sun or partial shade with sheltered exposure. It prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soil of various types and pH levels, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. Suitable for use as a climber, shrub, hedging, or in cottage and wildlife gardens, it is hardy to UK zone H5 and is best planted with support.
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 subspicata 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 subspicata
- 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 subspicata?
Lonicera subspicata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lonicera subspicata need?
Lonicera subspicata 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 subspicata hardy in the UK?
Lonicera subspicata 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 subspicata?
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
