Lonicera periclymenum Chic et Choc
Honeysuckle
Position
- Full sun to partial shade
- All aspects – north, south, east, or west-facing
- Sheltered or moderately exposed sites
Hardiness
- Tolerates temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F)
- Hardy throughout most of UK
Soil Type
- Moist but well-drained soil
- Adapts to chalk, clay, sand, or loam
- Suits acid, neutral, or alkaline pH
- Rich, humus-rich soil preferred
Soil PH
- Suits acid, alkaline, or neutral pH soils
Height
- Height: 50cm
Seasons of Interest
- Flowering period: June to September
- Deep purple-red buds opening to cream flowers
- Strong chocolate-like fragrance
- Dark green foliage
- Red berries in autumn
Additional Notes
- Particularly strong chocolate-vanilla scent
- More compact than traditional honeysuckles
- Great for smaller gardens
- Excellent pollinator plant
- Disease resistant variety
- Regular pruning maintains shape
- Spring mulching recommended
- Evening fragrance particularly notable
- Good cut flower
- Perfect for cottage gardens
- New variety with improved flowering performance
Lonicera periclymenum ‘Chic et Choc’: A Perfect Compact Honeysuckle
This charming semi-evergreen climber combines beautiful crimson-purple flower buds with fragrant pink-white blooms that mature to golden-yellow. Perfect for small spaces and containers, ‘Chic et Choc’ offers extended seasonal interest in a compact form.
What Makes ‘Chic et Choc’ Special?
This honeysuckle produces beautiful tubular flowers that open from deep crimson-purple buds. The blooms transition through pink-white to warm golden-yellow colours.
The compact growth habit makes it ideal for containers and small gardens, reaching only 50cm in height.
How Do I Plant This Honeysuckle?
Choose a spot in sun or partial shade with well-drained soil to ensure your Lonicera thrives. Add quality compost to improve fertility before planting.
Container growing works well – use a pot at least 30cm wide with adequate drainage.
What Growing Conditions Does It Need?
‘Chic et Choc’ thrives in moist but well-drained soil. It adapts to both full sun and partial shade positions.
Protection from harsh winds helps maintain the foliage quality through autumn and winter.
How Do I Care For This Climber?
Regular watering keeps the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Apply mulch in spring to retain moisture.
Prune after flowering to maintain the compact shape and encourage fresh growth.
Will It Work In Different Garden Settings?
This versatile shrub, Lonicera Chic et Choc, suits both traditional and contemporary gardens. Its compact size works particularly well in patio containers.
Try growing up an obelisk or small trellis for vertical interest.
What About Seasonal Changes?
The elliptical blue-green leaves provide year-round structure. Flower buds appear in early summer, followed by ornamental berries.
The long flowering period extends from early summer until the end of autumn.
Can I Grow It With Other Plants?
Clematis makes an excellent companion plant. Choose varieties with complementary flowering periods for continuous colour.
The bushy habit of this honeysuckle provides good ground coverage when planted with other compact shrubs.
How Hardy Is It?
This cultivar shows good hardiness in most UK gardens. It can withstand temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F).
Protection from cold winds helps maintain semi-evergreen foliage in colder regions.
What About Feeding And Maintenance?
Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring when new growth begins. Regular deadheading extends the flowering period.
Watch for aphids in spring and treat promptly if they appear.
Key Points to Remember:
- Compact size perfect for containers
- Plant in well-drained soil
- Flowers change colour as they mature
- Regular watering important
- Prune after flowering
- Protection from harsh winds beneficial
- Good companion for clematis
- Hardy to -20°C
- Long flowering period
- Suitable for small spaces
Check out the RHS article here.
For more information on climbing plants for your garden please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Lonicera periclymenum ‘Chic et Choc’?
A: Lonicera periclymenum ‘Chic et Choc’ is a chic honeysuckle climber known for its fragrant flowers and beautiful twining growth habit, with a long flowering period from early summer. It is a deciduous plant that can be a stunning addition to any garden or container.
Q: How do I care for Lonicera periclymenum ‘Chic et Choc’?
A: Caring for this chic honeysuckle is quite straightforward! Just ensure it has well-drained soil, and it will thrive. Regular watering during dry spells is key, and it appreciates a sunny spot but can tolerate partial shade too.
Q: When does Lonicera periclymenum ‘Chic et Choc’ flower?
A: This lovely plant boasts a long flowering period starting from early summer, so you can enjoy its fragrant flowers for quite some time. It is often associated with honeysuckle blooms throughout the season.
Q: Is Lonicera periclymenum ‘Chic et Choc’ suitable for container growing?
A: Absolutely! Its compact growth habit makes Lonicera ‘Chic et Choc’ perfect for container gardening. Just ensure you use a fertile potting mix and keep it well-watered.
Q: Can I buy Lonicera periclymenum ‘Chic et Choc’ at my local nursery?
A: Most likely! Many nurseries stock this chic honeysuckle, especially during the growing season. It is a popular choice, so check with your local nursery to see if they have it in stock.
Q: What type of soil is best for Lonicera periclymenum ‘Chic et Choc’?
A: This plant loves well-drained soil. A fertile, loamy mix would be ideal. It can adapt to various soil types, but good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
Q: How do I prune Lonicera periclymenum ‘Chic et Choc’?
A: Pruning is best done after the flowering period. Just trim back any dead or overgrown stems to encourage new growth and shape the plant. This will help maintain its chic appearance and promote more blooms next season.
Q: Is Lonicera periclymenum ‘Chic et Choc’ evergreen?
A: No, it is deciduous, which means it will lose its leaves in the autumn. However, its graceful twining habit remains visually appealing even in winter.
Q: What makes Lonicera periclymenum ‘Chic et Choc’ unique?
A: Its unique blend of chic and choc® colours in the flowers, along with a delightful fragrance, sets it apart from other honeysuckles. Plus, its long flowering period and adaptable nature make it a favourite among gardeners!