Lonicera periclymenum Caprilia Imperial
Honeysuckle
Position
- Full sun to partial shade
- All aspects – north, south, east, or west-facing
- Sheltered or moderately exposed sites
- Suitable for walls, fences, pergolas, and arbors
Hardiness
- Tolerates temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F)
- Fully hardy throughout UK
Soil Type
- Moist but well-drained soil
- Adapts to chalk, clay, sand, or loam
- Suits acid, neutral, or alkaline pH
- Rich soil preferred
Soil PH
- Suits acid, alkaline, or neutral pH soils
Height
- Height: 2.5 metres in 5-10 years
- Spread: 1-1.5 metres
Seasons of Interest
- Flowering period: June to October
- Deep red buds opening to cream flowers
- Extended flowering season
- Dark green foliage
- Red berries in autumn
- Strong sweet fragrance
Additional Notes
- Repeat flowering habit
- More compact than traditional varieties
- Highly disease resistant
- Particularly good mildew resistance
- Strong vanilla-like evening scent
- Excellent for pollinators
- Regular pruning maintains shape
- Spring mulching recommended
- Good for cutting gardens
- Perfect for cottage gardens
- Works well in containers
- Benefits from supporting structure
- Earlier to flower than many varieties
- Continues blooming into autumn
Lonicera periclymenum ‘Caprilia Imperial’: The Perfect Honeysuckle for Modern Gardens
Discover this stunning compact honeysuckle that combines beautiful cream flowers with rich fragrance. Perfect for smaller gardens and containers, ‘Caprilia Imperial’ offers extended seasonal interest and exceptional disease resistance.
What Makes ‘Caprilia Imperial’ Special?
This honeysuckle produces burgundy red buds that open into creamy white and pink flowers. The beautiful contrast against dark green foliage creates striking visual appeal.
The compact, bushy growth habit reaches only 250cm in height, making it ideal for smaller gardens.
How Should I Plant This Honeysuckle?
Choose a spot in sun or partial shade with moist but well-drained soil. Add organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
Install support structures like trellis or frames at planting time, as this climber needs something to twine around.
What Growing Conditions Does It Need?
‘Caprilia Imperial’ thrives in most soil types but prefers fertile, well-drained conditions. It can withstand temperatures down to -20°C.
The plant performs best with its roots in shade while allowing the top growth to reach sunlight.
When Does It Flower?
Expect abundant blooms in June and July, with burgundy red buds opening to reveal fragrant cream and pink flowers.
The long flowering period provides extended seasonal interest, followed by glossy red berries in autumn.
How Do I Maintain This Plant?
Regular pruning after flowering helps maintain the compact shape. Remove any dead or damaged growth in late winter.
Apply mulch annually in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Can I Grow It In Containers?
The compact growth habit makes this variety perfect for container growing. Use a large pot with good drainage 1.
Ensure consistent moisture and feed regularly during the growing season.
What Wildlife Does It Attract?
The fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout summer. Birds enjoy the berries in autumn.
This makes it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.
How Do I Propagate ‘Caprilia Imperial’?
Take softwood cuttings in early summer or hardwood cuttings in winter.
Layer branches in spring by pinning them to the ground and covering with soil.
Key Points to Remember:
- Compact growth ideal for smaller spaces
- Flowers June-July with red buds opening to cream
- Hardy to -20°C
- Plant in sun or partial shade
- Regular pruning maintains shape
- Excellent for containers
- Attracts wildlife
- Disease resistant
- Fragrant flowers
- Easy to maintain
Check out the RHS article here.
For more information on climbing plants for your garden please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the description of Lonicera periclymenum ‘Caprilia Imperial’?
A: Lonicera periclymenum ‘Caprilia Imperial’ is a stunning climbing honeysuckle, known for its beautiful red and cream-coloured flowers. This deciduous climber blooms from late spring to summer, producing fragrant flowers that attract bees and butterflies. It has a lovely sweet scent and can grow several metres high when properly trained.
Q: How do I propagate Lonicera periclymenum ‘Caprilia Imperial’?
A: You can propagate ‘Caprilia Imperial’ through cuttings or layering. For cuttings, take a shoot in early summer, dip it in rooting hormone, and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep it moist until roots develop. If you’re layering, bend a stem to the ground, cover part of it with soil, and it will root itself over time!
Q: Does Lonicera periclymenum ‘Caprilia Imperial’ prefer full sun or shade?
A: This beautiful climber does best in partial shade, but it can tolerate full sun as long as it has sufficient moisture. It’s perfect for areas that receive some morning sun and afternoon shade, helping to keep the soil cool and damp.
Q: What are some related products to Lonicera periclymenum ‘Caprilia Imperial’?
A: If you love ‘Caprilia Imperial’, you might want to check out other climbing plants like clematis or other varieties of honeysuckle. Also, consider adding some companion plants that thrive in similar conditions to create a perfect garden setup.
Q: How tall can Lonicera periclymenum ‘Caprilia Imperial’ grow?
A: This climbing honeysuckle can grow quite tall, often reaching heights of several metres if given the right support. It’s ideal for training on trellises, fences, or walls to create a beautiful, fragrant display.
Q: When does Lonicera periclymenum ‘Caprilia Imperial’ bloom?
A: You can expect a stunning bloom from late spring to the end of summer. The beautiful red flowers will make your garden pop and fill the air with their delightful fragrance, attracting all sorts of pollinators.
Q: Is Lonicera periclymenum ‘Caprilia Imperial’ suitable for my garden?
A: Absolutely! This climbing honeysuckle is a great choice for most gardens, especially if you have space for it to climb. Just provide some support and monitor its growth. It’s suitable for various climates and can adapt well as long as it’s not in overly harsh conditions.
Q: Are the flowers of Lonicera periclymenum ‘Caprilia Imperial’ fragrant?
A: Yes, the flowers are known for their lovely fragrance! The sweet scent of the blooms makes it an excellent choice for gardens where you want to enjoy the aroma, especially during the spring and summer months.
Q: What is the best way to train Lonicera periclymenum ‘Caprilia Imperial’ to climb?
A: To train this climber, use garden ties or twine to attach the stems to a trellis or support structure. Regularly check and adjust the ties as the plant grows and gently guide the shoots in the desired direction to promote healthy climbing.