Position
- Full sun to partial shade
- All aspects – north, south, east, or west-facing
- Sheltered or moderately exposed sites
Hardiness
- Tolerates temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F)
- Hardy throughout most of UK
Soil
- Moist but well-drained soil
- Adapts to chalk, clay, sand, or loam
- Rich, humus-rich soil preferred
- Suits acid, alkaline, or neutral pH soils
- Grab a soil test kit and ensure the perfect conditions for growth
Height
- Height: 50cm
Seasons of Interest
- Flowering period: June to September
- Deep purple-red buds opening to cream flowers
- Strong chocolate-like fragrance
- Dark green foliage
- Red berries in autumn
Additional Notes
- Powerful chocolate-vanilla scent
- More compact than traditional honeysuckles
- Great for smaller gardens
- Excellent pollinator plant
- Disease-resistant variety
- Regular pruning maintains shape
- Spring mulching is recommended
- Evening fragrance is particularly notable
- Good cut flower
- Perfect for cottage gardens
- New variety with improved flowering performance
Growing Lonicera Chic et Choc - A Compact Honeysuckle for Stylish Gardens
If you’re searching for a honeysuckle that delivers striking colour, extended seasonal interest, and a manageable growth habit, look no further than Lonicera Chic et Choc. This semi-evergreen climber offers a vibrant floral display from summer to autumn, with changing hues and a delicate fragrance that adds charm to even the smallest garden space. Its neat form and exceptional versatility suited it to containers, patios, courtyards, and compact borders.
What Makes Lonicera ‘Chic et Choc’ So Distinctive?
‘Chic et Choc’ is a truly eye-catching variety of honeysuckle, bred specifically for its compact stature and ever-changing floral palette. The flower buds begin as deep crimson-purple, gradually opening into soft pink-white blooms that eventually mature to a warm, golden yellow. This tricolour transition provides dynamic interest throughout its long flowering season.
Reaching a modest height of around 50cm, this cultivar is one of the most space-efficient forms of climbing honeysuckle available. Its restrained growth makes it ideal for smaller urban gardens or balcony settings where vertical interest is desired without aggressive pruning or extensive supports.
Planting Advice for Lonicera ‘Chic et Choc’
To get the best from your ‘Chic et Choc’ honeysuckle, choose a planting location that offers fertile, moist but well-drained soil. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, and performs reliably in sheltered positions where foliage and flower quality can be protected from harsh winds. Before planting, work in well-rotted manure or other organic matter to boost soil fertility and improve moisture retention.
If planting in a container, select one with a minimum diameter of 30cm and ensure it has good drainage holes. For best results, use a high-quality loam-based compost, such as John Innes No.3. Adding crocks or grit to the base will improve drainage and help prevent root rot.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Optimal Performance
This compact climber is surprisingly adaptable. While it prefers consistently moist soil, it will tolerate short dry spells once established. Regular mulching in spring helps to retain moisture and suppress weeds, especially in drier weather.
Position your plant where it receives morning sun or dappled afternoon light. Although it can tolerate full sun, a little shelter from midday heat will prolong flower life and maintain foliage colour.
Caring for Your Lonicera ‘Chic et Choc’
Low-maintenance by nature, this honeysuckle only requires occasional attention to remain healthy and attractive. Water regularly during the growing season, especially during prolonged dry spells or when container-grown.
Prune lightly after the flowering period to maintain its neat, compact form and to stimulate fresh growth. Remove any spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering and to prevent the plant from diverting energy into seed production. In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to promote vigorous new shoots and abundant blooms.
Seasonal Interest from Early Summer Through Autumn
Lonicera periclymenum ‘Chic et Choc’ offers an extended period of seasonal beauty. Elliptical, blue-green leaves provide attractive structure from spring through late autumn, and the floral display begins in early summer. Buds start deep red, opening to reveal the honeysuckle’s signature sweet scent and evolving petal colours over time.
Once the flowering phase slows, ornamental berries develop in autumn, offering further interest and providing a food source for garden birds. In milder climates, the semi-evergreen foliage may persist through winter, particularly if the plant is sheltered from cold, drying winds.
Using Lonicera ‘Chic et Choc’ in Garden Design
This cultivar’s compact dimensions make it exceptionally versatile for smaller garden spaces. Whether you’re designing a modern courtyard, cottage-style border, or container-based patio display, Lonicera Chic et Choc adds vertical texture and floral fragrance without overwhelming its surroundings.
Grow it up a small obelisk, trellis, or decorative frame to create a charming vertical accent. Its neat habit makes it suitable for underplanting around larger shrubs or incorporating into layered planting schemes.
Companion Planting and Wildlife Benefits
Pair Lonicera Chic et Choc with compact Clematis varieties or long-flowering perennials to achieve continuous colour and seasonal harmony. Choose companions with complementary growth habits and overlapping bloom times for a coordinated display.
In addition to its visual appeal, this honeysuckle also supports pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and hoverflies are drawn to the nectar-rich blooms, while birds benefit from the berries in autumn. It’s an excellent choice for wildlife-conscious gardeners looking to enrich their outdoor space with biodiversity.
How Hardy Is Lonicera ‘Chic et Choc’?
This cultivar is hardy in most UK regions, tolerating temperatures to approximately -20°C (-4°F). While the plant remains resilient in colder winters, protection from strong, drying winds will help preserve its semi-evergreen foliage and overall form.
Container-grown plants may require some insulation during harsh weather. If temperatures are forecast to drop significantly, wrap pots in fleece or bubble wrap.
Feeding, Fertilising, and Routine Maintenance
To keep your ‘Chic et Choc’ performing at its best, feed it in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser. Repeat feeding every 2 weeks with a high-potash liquid feed during the growing season to promote flowering.
Deadheading spent blooms can help extend the flowering season well into autumn. Regularly check for pests such as aphids, which can cluster on new growth in spring—treat early with insecticidal soap or a biological control if needed.
From Darren’s Patch
What I appreciate about Lonicera ‘Chic et Choc’ is how effortlessly it elevates a small space. I’ve used it in pots on the patio where its changing flower colours and rich scent always draw attention – and compliments! It’s especially handy if you’re short on room but still want that classic cottage garden feel. The compact size means no endless pruning sessions, and its neat growth makes it easy to train up a short obelisk or trellis without it taking over. It pairs brilliantly with dwarf clematis for a layered, flowering duo that keeps going all season. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone who wants romance and wildlife interest without the usual fuss.
Key Points to Remember:
- Compact height of approx. 50cm – perfect for small gardens and containers
- Striking colour transitions: crimson buds to pink-white and golden-yellow blooms
- Extended flowering season from early summer to late autumn
- Attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds
- Hardy down to -20°C with protection from harsh winds
- Low-maintenance and easy to train on supports
- Excellent in pots, on balconies, or as a vertical feature in borders
Lonicera periclymenum ‘Chic et Choc’ proves that great things come in small packages. With its richly coloured, fragrant blooms, compact growth, and long flowering period, this honeysuckle brings elegance and seasonal charm to even the most modest garden spaces. Whether planting it in a patio container, training it up a decorative support, or pairing it with other climbers for layered impact, ‘Chic et Choc’ offers style, scent, and structure with minimal fuss. This variety is a beautifully compact solution for gardeners seeking a refined, reliable climber with year-round presence and pollinator appeal.
Check out the RHS article here.
Explore our full collection of planting guides for expert advice on climbers and wall shrubs.
Want to learn about other climbers? Read about Lonicera Graham Thomas here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Lonicera periclymenum ‘Chic et Choc’?
A: Lonicera Chic et Choc is a chic honeysuckle climber known for its fragrant flowers and beautiful twining growth habit, with a long flowering period from early summer. It is a deciduous plant that can be a stunning addition to any garden or container.
Q: How do I care for Lonicera periclymenum ‘Chic et Choc’?
A: Caring for this chic honeysuckle is relatively straightforward! Just ensure it has well-drained soil, and it will thrive. Regular watering during dry spells is key, and it appreciates a sunny spot but can tolerate partial shade too.
Q: When does Lonicera periclymenum ‘Chic et Choc’ flower?
A: This lovely plant boasts a long flowering period starting from early summer, so that you can enjoy its fragrant flowers for quite some time. It is often associated with honeysuckle blooms throughout the season.
Q: Is Lonicera periclymenum ‘Chic et Choc’ suitable for container growing?
A: Absolutely! Its compact growth habit makes Lonicera ‘Chic et Choc’ perfect for container gardening. Just ensure you use a fertile soil-based compost mix and keep it well-watered.
Q: Can I buy Lonicera periclymenum ‘Chic et Choc’ at my local nursery?
A: Most likely! Many nurseries stock this chic honeysuckle, especially during the growing season. It is a popular choice, so check with your local nursery to see if they have it in stock.
Q: What soil type is best for Lonicera periclymenum ‘Chic et Choc’?
A: This plant loves well-drained soil. A fertile, loamy mix would be ideal. It can adapt to various soil types, but good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
Q: How do I prune Lonicera periclymenum ‘Chic et Choc’?
A: Pruning is best done after the flowering period. Trim dead or overgrown stems to encourage new growth and shape the plant. This will help maintain its chic appearance and promote more blooms next season.
Q: Is Lonicera periclymenum ‘Chic et Choc’ evergreen?
A: No, it is deciduous, which means it will lose its leaves in the autumn. However, its graceful twining habit remains visually appealing even in winter.
Q: What makes Lonicera periclymenum ‘Chic et Choc’ unique?
A: Its unique blend of chic and choc® colours in the flowers and a delightful fragrance sets it apart from other honeysuckles. Its long flowering period and adaptable nature make it a favourite among gardeners!