Lonicera similis var. delavayi

Delavay’s Honeysuckle

Growing Lonicera similis var. delavayi: A Complete Guide to Delavay’s Honeysuckle

Discover the beauty of Delavay’s honeysuckle, a vigorous semi-evergreen climber that brings stunning fragrant flowers and year-round interest to your garden. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about growing and maintaining this remarkable plant.

What is Lonicera similis var. delavayi?

This robust and easy to grow climber produces strongly scented white flowers that age to yellow. The fragrance becomes more pronounced during evening and overnight hours.

The plant features distinctive leaves that are white-hairy beneath, creating an interesting texture throughout the growing season.

How Do I Plant Delavay’s Honeysuckle?

Choose a spot in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil. Add organic compost to improve soil structure before planting.

Young plants need sturdy support structures to twine around as they grow upward.

What Growing Conditions Does It Need?

This honeysuckle thrives in most soil types but performs best in fertile, well-drained conditions. It can tolerate both sunny and partially shaded positions.

Regular watering helps establish the roots, especially during the first growing season.

When Does It Flower?

Expect tubular flowers from early summer through to late summer months. The white blooms gradually turn yellow as they age.

Black berries follow the flowers, adding extra interest in autumn.

How Do I Maintain This Climber?

Prune in late winter or early spring to prevent the plant from getting too congested. Remove any dead or damaged growth.

Regular maintenance keeps this vigorous climber under control and promotes healthy buds for the next season.

Will It Work With Other Plants?

This climbing honeysuckle pairs beautifully with clematis and other cottage garden plants. Consider the different flowering times when planning combinations.

The semi-evergreen foliage provides excellent backdrop for other plants throughout the year.

What About Winter Care?

As a semi-evergreen shrub, it may retain some leaves during mild winters. Protection from harsh winds helps maintain the foliage.

Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base in autumn to protect the roots.

Is It Suitable for Different Garden Styles?

This versatile climber suits both formal gardens and cottage garden settings. It can form a spreading, arching mound when grown as a shrub.

The white flowers and dark foliage create striking contrasts in any garden design.

How Fast Does It Grow?

Expect vigorous growth from the base, especially in fertile soil. New shoots can reach considerable heights in one season.

Regular pruning helps maintain the desired size and shape.

Key Points to Remember:

• Plant in well-drained soil
• Provide strong support structure
• Flowers white, ageing to yellow
• Semi-evergreen nature
• Strongly scented blooms
• Regular pruning required
• Suitable for sun or partial shade
• Black berries in autumn
• Vigorous growth habit
• Resistant to mildew

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 similis var. delavayi?

A: Lonicera similis var. delavayi, commonly known as delavayi honeysuckle, is a semi-evergreen honeysuckle climber that adds stunning flowers to your garden.

Q: How do I care for my Lonicera similis var. delavayi?

A: Caring for your delavayi honeysuckle is quite simple! Ensure it receives enough sunlight and water it regularly. Pruning is also essential, so trim it back after flowering to keep it in good health.

Q: Is Lonicera similis var. delavayi suitable for my garden?

A: Absolutely! This shrub is perfect for climbing on trellises, fences, or walls. It adds a lovely touch to any garden with its beautiful flowers that turn yellow, followed by black berries.

Q: Where can I buy Lonicera similis var. delavayi?

A: You can find the delavayi honeysuckle climber at various garden centres, including family-run and independent ones and online at Swift Plants.

Q: Will my Lonicera similis var. delavayi have flowers every year?

A: Yes! The honeysuckle climber will bloom each year, offering lovely flowers followed by black berries, adding beauty to your garden.

Q: Can I grow Lonicera similis var. delavayi in a container?

A: Definitely! The delavayi honeysuckle can grow in a container, but ensure it’s large enough to accommodate the roots and provides good drainage.

Q: What makes Lonicera similis var. delavayi different from other honeysuckles?

A: The main difference is that this climber is semi-evergreen, meaning it retains some leaves during winter, unlike others that may lose all their leaves. Additionally, its unique flowers are a standout feature!