Honeysuckle is a must-have for any garden. It’s adaptable, low maintenance, and thrives in various spaces, from large walls to compact pots.
Position
Plant in full sun or part shade in free-draining soil.
Prepare Soil
Garden: Enrich soil with compost or organic matter to enhance drainage and fertility.
Pots: Use a high-quality potting mix and ensure adequate drainage.
Feed
Garden: Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support growth and flowering.
Pots: Feed with a liquid fertiliser every 6–8 weeks during the growing season.
Watering & Mulching
Water deeply during dry spells, especially in summer. Mulch around the base with bark or straw to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Protection
Honeysuckle is resilient but may benefit from support structures for climbing. Prune regularly to maintain shape and size.
Garden Expert Tip
Grow honeysuckle near seating areas or windows to enjoy its intoxicating fragrance during warm evenings.
Our Favourite Varieties
- Lonicera Americana (American Honeysuckle): The most prolific flowering honeysuckle, growing up to 8 metres. Trim to your desired size for a manageable yet lush display.
- Lonicera ‘Gold Flame’: Stunning clusters of bright pink flowers with golden throats. This deciduous variety grows to 5 metres and is perfect for pergolas, offering shade in summer and light in winter.
- Lonicera periclymenum ‘Graham Thomas’: An RHS award-winning plant, with trumpet-shaped cream flowers turning clear yellow from mid-summer to autumn. Vigorous yet compact, growing to 3 metres.
- Lonicera caprifolium: The smallest of the group, with fragrant creamy yellow flowers tinged with pink. Its addition of orange berries in winter ensures year-round interest.
