Lonicera periclymenum 'Serotina'

Honeysuckle or Woodbine

Location

Steps to the Sunken Garden

Description:

The common, sweet smelling, vigorous, twining, large, deciduous honeysuckle up to 5m (16 ft) with dark-green leaves and a blue-white colouring on the underside. The plant dates back to Ralph Dutton's time and could be a variety called 'Serotina'.

Site and Care:

Grow in a well drained, fertile soil of any type, preferably in partial shade. It is essential for the roots to be in shade but the stems and flowers can grow out into the sun. Control by pruning or training cutting back established plants after flowering, removing a third of the flowering shoots. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base of the plant in winter. Propagate by cuttings in spring.