Overview
Lonicera x tellmanniana is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Lonicera, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with deciduous 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 tellmanniana 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 for trellises, walls, fences; shrubs for borders, hedging and ground covers.
About
Lonicera x tellmanniana, known as Tellmann's honeysuckle, is a deciduous climbing shrub in the Caprifoliaceae family. It grows to a height of 2.5 to 4 metres with a spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full height within 5 to 10 years. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. It is suitable for all garden aspects and can tolerate both exposed and sheltered locations, offering seasonal interest from spring through to winter.
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
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Lonicera x tellmanniana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Climbers for trellises, walls, fences; shrubs for borders, hedging, ground covers
- Fragrance
- Fragrant flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lonicera x tellmanniana
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist but well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH; grows well in full sun to partial shade; suitable for various garden aspects and exposures.
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth; remove dead or weak stems.
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, greenwood cuttings in summer, hardwood cuttings in autumn, seed sowing in cold frame
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Leaf roller, Scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew, Leaf spots, Blights
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Lonicera x tellmanniana?
Prefers moist but well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH; grows well in full sun to partial shade; suitable for various garden aspects and exposures.
Where is the best place to plant Lonicera x tellmanniana?
Lonicera x tellmanniana prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Lonicera x tellmanniana need?
Lonicera x tellmanniana 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 tellmanniana?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth; remove dead or weak stems.
How big does Lonicera x tellmanniana grow?
Lonicera x tellmanniana 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 tellmanniana hardy in the UK?
Lonicera x tellmanniana 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 x tellmanniana?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, greenwood cuttings in summer, hardwood cuttings in autumn, seed sowing in cold frame.
More in the Lonicera genus
- Lonicera caerulea 'Altaj' (F)Honeyberry

- Lonicera caprifolium 'Inga'Italian Woodbine

- Lonicera periclymenum 'Assynt Cream'Honeysuckle
