About

A strong-growing deciduous climber with ovate, dark green leaves and whorls of scented tubular flowers 5cm in length, opening white, soon yellow flushed with deep red, and followed by red berries.

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
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden
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

CultivationBest in partial shade but tolerates full sun, thrives in any moist but well-drained soil
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)