Lonicera Scentsation The Most Fragrant Honeysuckle for UK Gardens

Honeysuckle

Transform your summer garden with the intoxicating scent and striking beauty of Lonicera Scentsation, widely considered one of the most fragrant honeysuckle cultivars available. This vigorous yet manageable deciduous climber delights with creamy-white flowers that mature to buttery yellow, releasing a powerful, sweet fragrance that intensifies in the evening. As the floral display fades, vivid red berries take centre stage, extending this plant’s ornamental value into autumn.

Whether you’re looking to soften fences, train a climber over an archway, or fill your garden with pollinator-friendly charm, ‘Scentsation’ brings beauty, structure, and wildlife appeal to almost any outdoor space.

Unlike many climbers offering beauty or fragrance, Lonicera Scentsation delivers both in abundance. From late spring through to early autumn, the plant produces a prolific display of tubular blooms, each flower combining creamy tones with soft yellow as they mature. These are visually stunning and intensely perfumed—especially during the evening hours, when the scent becomes most noticeable.

Its fragrance is often described as one of the strongest among honeysuckles, earning this variety its name. Notably, ‘Scentsation’ remains well-behaved in gardens. It’s not overly aggressive, making it a wise choice for those who want lush vertical growth without worrying about it overwhelming nearby plants.

Choose a planting site with full sun to partial shade for best results. While it thrives in partial shade—particularly in woodland-style gardens—it will produce the most flowers in sunnier conditions. The soil should be fertile and free-draining. Improve poor soils before planting by working in plenty of well-rotted manure or compost.

Provide a strong support structure at planting time, such as a trellis, obelisk, or pergola. This honeysuckle climbs by twining around its supports, so give it something sturdy to cling to from the outset. Plant at the base of the support and angle the plant slightly towards it to encourage upward growth.

Lonicera periclymenum ‘Scentsation’ adapts to a wide range of garden soils, providing good drainage. While tolerant of various pH levels and soil textures, it prefers moist conditions, yet never waterlogged.

Regular watering during dry spells—especially in the first two growing seasons—is key to strong root development. A generous layer of mulch applied in early spring will help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed competition.

This honeysuckle variety offers a long flowering season, with blooms typically beginning in late spring and continuing into early autumn. The creamy-white flowers transition to yellow as they mature, creating a two-tone effect that adds depth and character to the plant’s appearance.

As the flowering period ends, scarlet-red berries develop, providing an additional layer of ornamental value and feeding garden birds in late summer and autumn.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. After flowering, prune lightly to maintain shape and control size. Remove roughly one-third of the oldest stems to promote vigorous new growth, which will bear the next season’s flowers. Dead or weak stems can also be taken out to improve air circulation.

Check for early signs of pests, such as aphids, in spring. These can usually be managed through organic sprays such as insecticidal soap or by encouraging beneficial insects like ladybirds into the garden.

‘Scentsation’ works beautifully in mixed planting schemes alongside clematis, climbing roses, or other honeysuckle varieties with differing flower times or colours. Its long bloom period makes it a valuable partner in creating season-long vertical interest.

When combining climbers, ensure each plant has its own root space and support, and consider the eventual size and growth habit to avoid crowding.

While deciduous, ‘Scentsation’ remains visually pleasing across multiple seasons. Fresh green leaves cloak the stems in spring, followed by months of scented bloom. By late summer, its ornamental berries bring fresh colour and interest. In winter, the bare framework of woody stems continues to offer structure and support to nearby evergreens or winter climbers like ivy.

Though vigorous in its vertical growth, ‘Scentsation’ is not sprawling. It climbs upward rather than spreading outwards, making it well-suited to small gardens, patios, and even large containers with proper support. It’s ideal for adding height and fragrance without too much ground space.

Planted against a fence, trained up a wall, or grown over a freestanding arch, this honeysuckle offers maximum impact in minimal space.

To get the most from your ‘Scentsation’, position it near seating areas, doorways, or windows—anywhere its scent can be enjoyed up close. Good air circulation around the foliage helps prevent mildew and promotes healthier growth.

Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring, or supplement with liquid feed every few weeks during the growing season. Prune lightly after flowering to encourage the next flush of blooms and keep the plant looking its best.

Lonicera ‘Scentsation’ has earned a permanent spot in my garden, not just for its name. The scent is absolutely glorious on summer evenings when the flowers are in full swing. I’ve planted mine near a seating area, so I enjoy that heady perfume up close as the sun goes down. It’s the kind of fragrance that stops you in your tracks. I also love how well it behaves—vigorous enough to fill a space quickly, but never a thug. It softens fence panels beautifully and brings a steady stream of bees and butterflies into the garden. The birds take their turn when the red berries arrive later in the season. It’s the perfect blend of beauty, scent, and wildlife value—everything a good climber should offer. If you’re after a honeysuckle that truly earns its keep, this one’s a real standout.

• Intensely fragrant blooms from late spring to early autumn
• Creamy-white flowers that mature to soft yellow for a two-tone effect
• Followed by bright red berries that attract birds and extend seasonal interest
• Ideal for fences, pergolas, walls, and arches
• Attracts bees, butterflies, moths, and other beneficial pollinators
• Well-suited to sun or partial shade
• Low-maintenance with manageable, non-invasive growth
• Excellent companion for clematis and other flowering climbers
• Performs well in both cottage-style and contemporary gardens

Whether you’re seeking a climber to fill your garden with fragrance, attract pollinators, or create a romantic display over summer evenings, Lonicera periclymenum ‘Scentsation’ is a timeless, sensory-rich choice that earns its place in all sizes.

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 Trachelospermum jasminoides Star of Toscana here.

Q: What is Lonicera periclymenum ‘Scentsation’?

A: Lonicera Scentsation is a stunning honeysuckle plant known for its delightful fragrance and showy blooms. This deciduous climber makes an excellent addition to any garden, especially cottage gardens!

Q: How does the ‘Scentsation’ honeysuckle perform in different sunlight conditions?

A: This lovely plant tolerates full sun and partial shade, making it versatile for various garden setups. Just ensure it has free-draining soil to thrive!

Q: When is the best time to plant Lonicera periclymenum ‘Scentsation’?

A: The ideal time for planting is in late summer or early autumn when the weather is still mild. Make sure to prepare the soil well and keep it well-drained!

Q: How fast does the Lonicera periclymenum ‘Scentsation’ grow?

A: This cultivar is known for being fast-growing, so you can expect it to cover walls or trellises if trained right quickly. It can reach about 1m in height in no time!

Q: What can I expect regarding flowers and berries from this honeysuckle?

A: The ‘Scentsation’ produces highly scented flowers that bloom beautifully, followed by red berries, adding extra charm to your garden. It’s a real treat for both the eyes and the nose!

Q: How do I care for my Lonicera periclymenum ‘Scentsation’?

A: Plant it in well-rotted manure and keep the soil free-draining. Regular watering is key, especially during midday heat, but overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.

Q: Can I train Lonicera periclymenum ‘Scentsation’ to grow on an arch?

A: Absolutely! This honeysuckle is especially beautiful when trained on arches or trellises. Just give it some guidance, and it will climb beautifully!

Q: Where can I buy Lonicera periclymenum ‘Scentsation’?

A: You can find Lonicera periclymenum ‘Scentsation’ at your local garden centre or online plant retailers.

Q: Does the RHS recommend Lonicera periclymenum ‘Scentsation’ for gardens?

A: Yes! The RHS frequently highlights ‘Scentsation’ for its excellent qualities, making it a popular choice among gardeners seeking attractive wall shrubs.