Lonicera periclymenum

Common Honeysuckle

The common honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) is one of Britain’s most cherished climbing plants. This guide will help you choose, grow, and care for this fragrant climber that brings wildlife to your garden and fills summer evenings with delightful scent.

Lonicera periclymenum, known as woodbine or common honeysuckle, grows naturally across the UK in hedgerows and woodland edges. This vigorous deciduous climber produces tubular flowers that change from creamy white to yellow, followed by red berries in late summer.

The twining stems can reach impressive heights as they scramble through shrubs and trees. Its mid-green leaves create an attractive foliage display before falling in autumn.

Lonicera periclymenum Graham Thomas has earned the RHS Award of Garden Merit for good reason. This outstanding variety produces particularly large flower clusters and offers an incredibly strong fragrance that carries on the evening air.

The flowers appear from July to September, making it one of the longest-flowering honeysuckle plants available. Its vigorous growth makes it perfect for covering walls or fences.

Common honeysuckle thrives in moist but well-drained soil and adapts to full sun and partial shade. The plant performs best when its roots stay cool while the stems can reach for sunlight.

For container growing, choose 2-litre pots or larger to give roots enough space. Regular watering helps prevent mildew problems that can affect foliage in dry conditions.

As a classic cottage garden plant, honeysuckle adds vertical interest and romantic charm. It works brilliantly when allowed to twine around pergolas or arch over doorways.

The scent of honeysuckle becomes particularly noticeable in the evening, making it perfect near seating areas. Its natural growth habit suits informal gardens where it can weave through other plants.

This climber is a magnet for garden wildlife. Bees and bumblebees pollinate the flowers during daylight, while night-flying moths feed on the nectar. The bright red berries (though poisonous to humans) provide food for birds like thrush, bullfinch, and warbler.

Dormouse populations particularly benefit from honeysuckle bark, which they use to build their nests. Butterfly species also rely on the plant as a food source.

Proper pruning keeps honeysuckle plants healthy and flowering abundantly. The main pruning should happen just after flowering, removing a third of the older stems to encourage new growth.

Regular trimming of wayward stems helps maintain shape and prevent the plant from becoming too dense, which could lead to pest problems.

While generally trouble-free, honeysuckle can sometimes suffer from powdery mildew in dry conditions. Good air circulation and proper watering help prevent this issue.

Watch out for bindweed, which can look similar when young but grows more aggressively. Regular checks and prompt removal of unwanted climbers will keep your honeysuckle healthy.

Most garden centres and nurseries across the British Isles stock honeysuckle plants. Swift Plants stock them in 3-litre pots, for instant impact.

Choose plants showing healthy, greener foliage and avoid any with signs of damage or disease. Spring and autumn offer the best planting times.

Once planted, honeysuckle takes about two growing seasons to become fully established. Initial growth might seem slow as the plant develops its root system.

After establishment, growth becomes more vigorous, and you can expect a good flush of flowers in the second or third summer.

Common honeysuckle has a special place in my garden — not because it’s flashy, but because it quietly brings everything together. I grow Lonicera periclymenum along the back fence where its evening fragrance fills the air and draws in bees, moths, and even the odd songbird. It’s reliable, generous, and wonderfully wildlife-friendly. What I love most is how it weaves naturally through other plants, softening hard lines and adding height without feeling too formal. If you’re after a climber who works hard, looks good, and gives back to nature, this one’s a must.

• Plant in moist but well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade
• Regular pruning after flowering maintains health and shape
• Ideal for wildlife gardens, attracting bees, moths, and birds
• Graham Thomas variety offers exceptional fragrance and flower production
• Water regularly during establishment and dry spells
• Grows well in containers of 2 litres or larger
• Perfect for cottage gardens and informal planting schemes
• Flowers from July to September
• Prune by removing one-third of the old growth after flowering
• Choose a position where roots stay cool but stems can reach sunlight

Explore our full collection of planting guides for expert advice on climbers and wall shrubs.

Want to learn about other climbers? Read about Lonicera Belgica here.

Q: What makes the Lonicera periclymenum a great climber for my garden?

A: This deciduous climber offers beautifully fragrant white flowers that age to yellow, making it a lovely addition to any cottage garden. Plus, it’s perfect for covering fences or trellises!

Q: How do I cultivate the Lonicera periclymenum in my garden?

A: Cultivation is relatively straightforward! Just plant it in well-drained soil and ensure it receives some sunlight. It loves to climb, so provide a structure to latch onto, and watch it flourish!

Q: Is the scent of the Lonicera periclymenum really that strong?

A: Absolutely! The scent is incredibly strong and can waft through your garden, attracting pollinators from miles away. It’s a real delight for the senses!

Q: Can I use Lonicera periclymenum for a hedge?

A: While it’s not typically used for formal hedges, you can certainly plant them closely together to create a more informal, shrub-like effect. Just remember, they need space to climb!

Q: Are the berries from Lonicera periclymenum edible?

A: No, the berries are actually poisonous, so it’s best to keep pets and children away from them. Stick to enjoying the leaves and flowers instead!

Q: When do the leaves change colour on Lonicera periclymenum?

A: The leaves will start to change in autumn, giving you a lovely display of colour as they transition. It’s a great way to enjoy your climber even as the seasons change!

Q: How tall can I expect my Lonicera periclymenum to grow?

A: This climber can reach impressive heights, typically growing around 3-4.5 metres if given the right support. Just prune it back every now and then to keep it in check!

Q: What type of soil is best for cultivating Lonicera periclymenum?

A: It thrives in well-drained soil, so avoid heavy clay types. A mix that retains moisture but allows for drainage is ideal for its growth!

Q: Is Lonicera periclymenum suitable for a cottage garden?

A: Definitely! Its charming flowers and vigorous growth make it a perfect fit for a cottage garden, adding a romantic vibe and delightful fragrance to your outdoor space.