Lonicera Periclymenum or Common Honeysuckle

Lonicera Periclymenum, commonly called English Honeysuckle or Woodbine, is the classic, richly scented climber for UK gardens. Twining stems carry creamy white flowers that age through buttery yellow into blush tones, releasing their strongest perfume at dusk and drawing in bees, moths and other pollinators. A versatile choice for fences, arches and pergolas, it is reliable, wildlife friendly and easy to live with.

This deciduous climber twines rather than clings, so it needs support such as trellis, wires or an obelisk. Leaves are soft green and slightly glaucous beneath, forming a fresh backdrop to generous clusters of tubular flowers from early summer into early autumn. After flowering, ornamental red berries follow (avoid eating). As a woodland edge native, it copes well with partial shade and appreciates cool roots with its head in the sun; droughty, thin soils are best improved with organic matter. Compared with evergreen Japanese honeysuckle types, Lonicera periclymenum is prized for its authentic cottage garden look and excellent evening scent.

Height and Width of Lonicera Periclymenum:

English Honeysuckle will reach an ultimate height of 6–8 m with support; it's spread will reach 1–1.5 m. Growth is moderately fast once established.

How hardy is Lonicera Periclymenum?

English Honeysuckle  is fully hardy across the UK. Performs reliably in most regions; foliage is deciduous, though in very mild pockets it can hold some leaves into winter.

Uses in Garden and/or Landscape

• Train along fences, walls, arches and pergolas to bring fragrance to paths and seating areas.
• Perfect for cottage, wildlife and woodland edge schemes.
• Blends beautifully with rambling roses or climbing roses, clematis and other summer bloomers.
• Valuable for biodiversity: flowers feed pollinators; berries are attractive to birds.

Care Tips

• Position: Sun or partial shade; best flower and fragrance with a few hours of sun. Keep roots cool with mulch or underplanting.
• Soil: Moist but well drained, enriched with compost or leaf mould.
• Watering: Water regularly in the first growing season; mulch annually to conserve moisture.
• Feeding: A balanced, slow-release feed in spring supports vigorous flowering.
• Pruning: Thin congested, older stems in late winter or just after flowering. Tie in new shoots horizontally to encourage more flowered side growth.
• Support: Provide trellis or tensioned wires; guide young stems until they twine securely.

Distinctive features: Exceptional evening fragrance, long flowering window, native character and wildlife value.
Origins: Native to the UK and much of Europe.