- Botanical name: Lonicera periclymenum
- Common name: Honeysuckle
- Family: Caprifoliaceae
- Plant Type: Climber
Pink
White
Yellow
Green
- Key features:
- Attractive to wildlife
- Fruits
- Scented flowers
Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) is a native shrubby climber, bearing fragrant, tubular white and pink flowers, which mature to yellow, from July to September. It will quickly cover a wall or fence, and is a magnet for garden wildlife. It makes a fabulous planting companion for roses.
While not as strongly scented as Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Lonicera periclumenum has a strong fragrance, which is more noticeable in the evening, as it has evolved to attract night-flying moths as pollinators. However, being native, English honeysuckle is far less rampant than Japanese honeysuckle, which can be invasive.
Bear in mind that Lonicera periclymenum is very mildly toxic. If ingested, its berries could cause a mild upset stomach to people and pets.
How to grow Lonicera periclymenum
Grow Lonicera periclymenum in moist but well-drained soil, digging a hole and planting at the same depth it was in the pot you bought it in. Honeysuckle can be prone to mildew – to prevent this, plant in dappled shade or so the roots are kept in the shade but the foliage can grow into the sun. Water well after planting and then for a couple of weeks until it becomes established, and then only during dry periods.
Prune Lonicera periclymenum after flowering, cutting back by up to a third, to maintain a good shape.
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Advice on buying Lonicera periclymenum ‘Dark Green’
- Lonicera periclymenum should be available from your local garden centre or nursery, but you will have more options online
- Always check plants for signs of damage or disease before planting
Where to buy Lonicera periclymenum
How to grow Lonicera periclymenum
-
Plant size
7m height
3.5m spread
-
Aspect
South facing, east facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Back
- Sun exposure: Dappled shade, full sun
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Acidic / chalky / alkaline / clay / heavy / moist / well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do Plant in June |
J
Do Plant in July |
A
Do Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do not Plant in October |
N
Do not Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does not flower in May |
J
Plant does not flower in June |
J
Plant does flower in July |
A
Plant does flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
| Take cuttings | ||||||||||||
| Take cuttings |
J
Do not Take cuttings in January |
F
Do not Take cuttings in February |
M
Do not Take cuttings in March |
A
Do not Take cuttings in April |
M
Do Take cuttings in May |
J
Do Take cuttings in June |
J
Do not Take cuttings in July |
A
Do not Take cuttings in August |
S
Do not Take cuttings in September |
O
Do not Take cuttings in October |
N
Do not Take cuttings in November |
D
Do not Take cuttings in December |
Lonicera periclymenum and wildlife
Lonicera periclymenum is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It is a caterpillar food plant, has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat, has seeds for birds and makes a good wildlife hedge.
Attractive to Bees
Attractive to Beneficial insects
Attractive to Birds
Attractive to Butterflies/Moths
Attractive to Other pollinators
Is Lonicera periclymenum poisonous?
Lonicera periclymenum irritates skin. Its foliage and fruit are toxic.
Toxic to Cats
Toxic to Dogs
Toxic to Horses
Toxic to Livestock
Toxic to People
No reported toxicity to Birds
Plants that go well with Lonicera periclymenum
