Lonicera Celestial

 Celestial Honeysuckle

Lonicera Celestial, commonly known as celestial honeysuckle, brings a unique charm to any garden. With its stunning blooms and heavenly fragrance, this deciduous climber is perfect for adding colour and texture to fences, trellises, or pergolas. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the benefits, care, and beauty of Lonicera Celestial, making it a must-read for all gardening enthusiasts.

Lonicera Celestial is a hybrid honeysuckle renowned for its striking apricot-coloured flowers. These tubular blooms open from rosy pink buds, creating a vibrant display that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. The fragrance of Lonicera celestial is delightful, making it an excellent choice for adding sensory appeal to your outdoor space.

This beautiful climber offers several advantages for gardeners. Its ability to thrive in both full sun and partial shade gives flexibility in positioning. Additionally, Lonicera Celestial is known for its vigorous growth rate, reaching heights up to 300 cm (10 feet) when trained properly.

Another highlight is its decorative dark green foliage, which provides an attractive backdrop when the flowers are not blooming. It’s perfect for creating privacy on your garden walls or fences.

To plant Lonicera Celestial, choose a spot with moist but well-drained soil, ideally enriched with compost. The ideal time for planting is during the spring or autumn months when temperatures are mild. Ensure you provide a strong support structure, such as a trellis or obelisk, for this twining climber to grab onto as it grows.

When planting, make a hole twice the width of the root ball, and place the plant at the same depth it was growing. Fill in with soil and water well to settle the plant.

Once established, Lonicera Celestial requires minimal care. Regular pruning can enhance its growth and flowering potential. Prune the plant back in late winter or early spring, removing any dead or damaged stems. This encourages healthy new growth and improves air circulation within the plant.

Applying a layer of mulch in early spring helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilising in early spring with well-rotted manure can also promote vigorous growth and abundant blooms.

Yes, Lonicera Celestial adapts well to container growing. Choose a large pot with good drainage, fill it with quality soil-based compost, and feed it with a slow-release fertiliser every spring. Ensure you provide a suitable trellis or support for the plant to climb.

When grown in containers, monitor moisture levels regularly, as they can dry out quicker than garden beds. Feed during the growing season with a high potash liquid fertiliser every couple of weeks to ensure it flourishes.

Overall, Lonicera Celestial is relatively pest—and disease-resistant. However, it is advisable to watch for common garden pests such as aphids or scale insects. In an infestation, treat with insecticidal soap or an organic pesticide.

Good cultural practices, including proper watering and pruning, will significantly reduce the likelihood of disease.

Lonicera Celestial thrives alongside various other plants, creating a stunning garden display. Consider pairing it with clematis for a layered effect with contrasting flowers. The vibrant blooms of Lonicera Celestial can also complement other flowering shrubs and plants with similar blooming periods.

For a lush, green backdrop, use evergreen shrubs to maintain their foliage year-round, providing contrast during winter.

Consider its growth habits and requirements before adding Lonicera Celestial to your garden. This plant can grow to a significant size, so please make sure you have enough space for it to develop. If you want to create a privacy screen or decorative archway, this climber will be perfect.

When purchasing, look for healthy plants with robust stems and vibrant foliage. If available, check for signs of flowering buds.

Lonicera Celestial earns its place in my garden for a simple reason — it delivers, year after year. Those apricot blooms unfurling from rich pink buds are a joy to watch, and the scent? It’s one of those fragrances that stops you in your tracks on a summer evening. I’ve trained it along a trellis near the patio, and it’s become a magnet for bees, butterflies, and guests who can’t resist asking what that gorgeous plant is. What I appreciate most is how low-fuss it is once established. With a bit of pruning and the occasional feed, it rewards you generously. Whether you’re after vertical interest, a privacy screen, or just a pop of colour with real personality, Celestial won’t disappoint you.

• Lonicera Celestial produces beautiful apricot flowers with a heavenly fragrance
• Thrives in moist, well-drained soil with full sun or partial shade
• Grows up to 300 cm (10 feet) and is ideal for trellises and fences
• Requires minimal care, with regular pruning and mulching recommended
• Attracts pollinators and enhances garden aesthetics.

By incorporating Celestial Honeysuckle into your garden, you beautify your space and create an inviting environment. Enjoy this celestial honeysuckle’s fragrance and colour throughout the growing season!

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 henryi Copper Beauty here.

Q: What is Lonicera ‘Celestial’ Honeysuckle?

A: Lonicera Celestial Honeysuckle is a stunning climbing plant known for its striking flowers and heavenly fragrance. It’s a hybrid honeysuckle that makes a perfect addition to any garden, especially if you want to add vibrant colour.

Q: Where can I buy Lonicera ‘Celestial’ Honeysuckle?

A: Lonicera ‘Celestial’ can typically be found at many garden centres, especially those with a good range of climbers. It’s also widely available from reputable online plant retailers across the UK. Buying online gives you access to a broader selection and the convenience of home delivery, while local nurseries may offer advice on planting and care. Be sure to choose a healthy, well-rooted specimen from a trusted source for the best results in your garden.

Q: How should I care for my Celestial Honeysuckle?

A: To keep your honeysuckle ‘Celestial’ thriving, plant it in free-draining soil and ensure it gets plenty of sunlight. You might want to improve the soil fertility by adding well-rotted manure or compost.

Q: Is Lonicera ‘Celestial’ Honeysuckle hardy?

A: Yes! This plant is a hardy climbing shrub which can withstand colder temperatures. It’s perfect for gardens in the UK climate.

Q: How fast does Celestial Honeysuckle grow?

A: Lonicera ‘Celestial’ can grow quite quickly, so make sure you provide enough space for it to climb! Typically, it can reach a considerable height in just a couple of growing seasons, but growth rates can vary depending on conditions.

Q: Can I grow Lonicera ‘Celestial’ alongside other plants?

A: Absolutely! Lonicera ‘Celestial’ pairs well with other climbing plants like clematis. Just ensure they have enough space and light to thrive without overshadowing each other.

Q: What colour are the flowers of Celestial Honeysuckle?

A: Lonicera ‘Celestial’ flowers have an intense orange and pink hue, which really stands out in any garden setting. This beautiful cultivar adds a pop of colour throughout the blooming season.

Q: Are there any common issues with Celestial Honeysuckle that I should be aware of?

A: While Lonicera ‘Celestial’ is generally low maintenance, keep an eye out for pests like aphids or powdery mildew. Regular checks and some preventative care can help keep your climbing plant healthy and thriving.