About

A medium-sized, bushy, evergreen shrub to about 3m tall with attractive, dark green, glossy leaves and large, single, cup-shaped flowers with rounded petals and a prominent boss of golden stamens in pale pink in late winter and spring. A graceful and charming camellia for a sheltered, acid soil border.

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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
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 any well-drained soil in full or partial sun. See honeysuckle (shrubby) cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning group 2
PropagationPropagate from hardwood cuttings, softwood cutttings or semi-ripe cutting at each time of year
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews