Overview
Lonicera x brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet' is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Lonicera, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Lonicera x brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and wall side borders.
About
Lonicera x brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet' is a climbing honeysuckle cultivar known for its semi-evergreen foliage. As a member of the Lonicera genus, which includes arching shrubs and twining vines native to northern latitudes, this cultivar grows to a height of 2.5 to 4 metres with a spread of 0.5 to 1 metre over 5 to 10 years. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types and pH levels, preferring moist but well-drained conditions. 'Dropmore Scarlet' is of interest through summer, autumn, and winter, making it a versatile choice for different garden aspects and exposures.
About the genus
Honeysuckles are arching shrubs or twining vines in the genus Lonicera of the family Caprifoliaceae. The genus includes 158 species native to northern latitudes in North America, Eurasia, and North Africa.
Wikipedia contributors, "Honeysuckle", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Honeysuckle
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
- North-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Lonicera x brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wall side borders
- Fragrance
- Mildly fragrant flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lonicera x brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet'
- Cultivation
- Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Water regularly during dry periods. Supports climbing on trellises or walls. Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in colder climates.
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Remove dead or weak stems in late winter or early spring.
- Propagation
- Layering, Hardwood cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Honeysuckle aphids, Thrips, Glasshouse whitefly
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Fungal leaf spot, Silver leaf, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Lonicera x brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet'?
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Water regularly during dry periods. Supports climbing on trellises or walls. Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in colder climates.
Where is the best place to plant Lonicera x brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet'?
Lonicera x brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Lonicera x brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet' need?
Lonicera x brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet' 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.
How do I prune Lonicera x brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet'?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Remove dead or weak stems in late winter or early spring.
How big does Lonicera x brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet' grow?
Lonicera x brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet' reaches a height of 2.5-4 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Lonicera x brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet' hardy in the UK?
Lonicera x brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Lonicera x brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet'?
Layering, Hardwood cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Lonicera genus
- Lonicera caerulea 'Altaj' (F)Honeyberry

- Lonicera caprifolium 'Inga'Italian Woodbine

- Lonicera periclymenum 'Assynt Cream'Honeysuckle
