Lonicera Rhubarb and Custard - A Striking and Scented Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle

If you’re searching for a honeysuckle that combines captivating colour, manageable size, and irresistible fragrance, look no further than Lonicera Rhubarb and Custard. This delightful deciduous climber boasts two-tone blooms in vibrant shades of pink and creamy yellow, bringing charm and scent to any outdoor space. Its modest growth habit suits it particularly well-suited to smaller gardens, patios, or large containers. In this complete guide, discover how to grow, care for, and enjoy this striking variety year after year.

This compact cultivar is prized for its stunning floral display and sweet perfume. The tubular flowers emerge in clusters from early summer and continue blooming into late summer, offering a prolonged season of colour and fragrance. Each flower features a rich pink exterior and a soft yellow interior, reminiscent of the classic dessert that inspired its name.

Reaching an approximate height and spread of 2–2.5 metres by 1.5 metres, this honeysuckle offers all the beauty of larger varieties without the risk of becoming overbearing. It’s ideal for small gardens, courtyards, balcony containers, or tighter planting areas with premium space.

Start by selecting a location that offers full sun or partial shade. While this variety thrives in sunlight, it also performs reliably in dappled shade, making it versatile for different garden aspects. The soil should be moist yet well-drained—avoid heavy, waterlogged conditions which may hinder root development.

Before planting, enrich the soil with well-rotted manure or compost to improve fertility and structure. This gives the young plant a strong start. Ensure a suitable support structure—such as a trellis, wires, or an obelisk—is in place when planting, as honeysuckles climb by twining and need something to wrap around.

Regular pruning is key to keeping your honeysuckle compact, healthy, and floriferous. Cut back approximately one-third of the previous year’s growth in late winter or early spring. This helps control size and encourages a flush of new, flowering stems.

A light summer trim after flowering can enhance shape and promote airflow for mature plants. During pruning, always remove any dead, damaged, or congested stems to reduce the risk of disease and maintain a tidy habit.

Lonicera periclymenum ‘Rhubarb and Custard’ offers a changing display throughout the seasons. In early spring, fresh green foliage appears, followed by a generous succession of two-tone flowers throughout summer. These blooms add visual appeal and fill the air with a sweet, lingering fragrance, particularly noticeable on warm evenings.

As flowering wanes, berries form in late summer and autumn, adding a splash of seasonal colour and feeding garden birds. Though deciduous, the plant’s bare framework retains a pleasing structural form in winter, providing subtle interest and supporting nearby evergreens or climbers.

This honeysuckle is relatively undemanding but will reward good care with better flowering and overall health. Plant in fertile, free-draining soil and mulch annually in early spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Regular watering is particularly important during hot or dry periods, especially in the first few years or when grown in pots.

To minimise the risk of mildew or other fungal problems, maintain good airflow around the plant. Avoid crowding it with overly dense companion planting, and water the base rather than the foliage.

This variety performs well in large pots or containers thanks to its compact size and upright growth habit. Choose a quality loam-based compost such as John Innes No.3 and ensure the container has excellent drainage. Elevate the pot slightly using pot feet to prevent waterlogging.

Container-grown honeysuckles need regular feeding and watering, particularly during the growing season. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every few weeks from spring to late summer to encourage strong flowering and healthy foliage.

One of the joys of Lonicera Rhubarb and Custard is the rich wildlife it attracts. The nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and moths, supporting pollinator populations throughout the warmer months. As the flowers fade, the emerging berries offer a valuable food source for birds heading into autumn.

This honeysuckle is a smart and stylish addition if you’re designing a wildlife-friendly garden or simply want to support local biodiversity.

Although not self-clinging, this honeysuckle readily wraps around supports. Provide a sturdy framework such as a trellis, pergola, or wire system to help it climb vertically. With a maximum height of around 2.5 metres, there’s no need for tall structures, making this plant especially suitable for small walls, sheds, balcony fences, or patio obelisks.

Be sure to guide young shoots in their early growth by loosely tying them to supports or gently weaving them through your framework until they take hold.

Keep your honeysuckle thriving with routine care. Monitor soil moisture, particularly in warmer weather, and adjust watering accordingly. Avoid overwatering, especially in heavier soils or poorly drained containers.

Feed once or twice in early spring using a balanced organic fertiliser or slow-release feed. This encourages strong growth, improved flowering, and enhanced overall resilience. Watch for aphids or powdery mildew—both of which can affect honeysuckles—and treat early with sprays or biological controls.

I first came across ‘Rhubarb and Custard’ when looking for something compact, colourful, and fragrant to liven up a tired patio corner—and it didn’t disappoint. Its two-tone blooms pop against green foliage, and that sweet, nostalgic scent on warm evenings is unbeatable. What I love most is how manageable it is. Unlike more vigorous honeysuckles that can get unruly, this one stays neat with some pruning and still delivers months of interest. I’ve grown it both in a container and against a low trellis, and it’s thrived in both spots. If you’re tight on space but still want something with real impact, I’d wholeheartedly recommend giving this cheerful climber a go. It’s a real crowd-pleaser—for people and pollinators alike!

• Compact size suits smaller gardens
• Plant in moist, well-drained soil
• Provide a sturdy support structure
• Prune twice yearly
• Regular watering is needed
• Attracts wildlife
• Suitable for containers
• Maximum height 2.5m
• Two-tone flowers
• Long flowering period

Lonicera Rhubarb and Custard is the perfect honeysuckle for those who love classic cottage-garden charm but have limited space. It offers months of floral colour, an incredible evening fragrance, and genuine benefits to local wildlife—all in a compact, easy-to-manage package. With the proper care and positioning, this variety will thrive and delight year after year, bringing soft scent and warm colour to even the smallest garden spaces.

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

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

Q: What is Lonicera Rhubarb and Custard?

A: It’s a stunning climbing honeysuckle known for its unique combination of deep purple flowers and a lovely custard-like scent. This deciduous climber is perfect for adding colour and fragrance to your garden!

Q: How tall can Lonicera periclymenum ‘Rhubarb and Custard’ grow?

A: This climbing plant can easily reach heights up to 2.5 metres, making it great for covering walls or fences. It’s a fantastic addition to your garden, adding some vertical interest!

Q: When should I prune my Lonicera periclymenum?

A: It’s best to prune your honeysuckle after flowering, typically in summer. Pruning back hard helps promote healthy growth and encourages more blooming the following year!

Q: How do I care for my Lonicera periclymenum ‘Rhubarb and Custard’?

A: This shrub thrives in well-drained soil and loves a sunny spot. Regular watering and occasional feeding will keep it happy. Just make sure to check on it, especially during dry spells!

Q: Can I grow Lonicera periclymenum ‘Rhubarb and Custard’ in Northern Ireland?

A: Absolutely! It’s well-suited for the climate there. Ensure it has enough support to climb and a nice sunny spot to bask in. It will thrive with a little TLC!

Q: What do the flowers of Lonicera periclymenum ‘Rhubarb and Custard’ look like?

A: The flowers are striking, borne in clusters throughout the summer. They start off as a deep purple, adding a pop of colour to your garden, and they smell amazing too!

Q: Will I get red berries from my Lonicera periclymenum ‘Rhubarb and Custard’?

A: Yes, you can expect to see red berries after flowering! They add visual interest and attract birds to your garden, making it a lively space.

Q: How can I buy Lonicera periclymenum ‘Rhubarb and Custard’?

A: You can find it at your local garden centre or online. Many suppliers offer it in a 3-litre pot, and with options for next-day delivery, you can have it in your garden within 24 hours!

Q: Is Lonicera periclymenum ‘Rhubarb and Custard’ easy to grow?

A: Definitely! This climbing honeysuckle is relatively low-maintenance. As long as you provide it with the right conditions, you’ll enjoy its vibrant blooms and delightful scent with little fuss.