Lonicera periclymenum Strawberries and Cream

Honeysuckle

Lonicera periclymenum ‘Strawberries and Cream’: A Compact Garden Treasure

Transform your garden with this delightful compact honeysuckle variety, Lonicera periclymenum Strawberries and Cream, that brings together the best features of traditional climbing forms in a manageable shrub. Perfect for smaller gardens and pots, this variety offers stunning cream and strawberry-pink flowers just like the much-loved climbing form, with an intoxicating perfume.

What Makes ‘Strawberries and Cream’ Special?

Lonicera periclymenum ‘Strawberries and Cream’ stands out as a relatively compact shrub that produces masses of flowers just like its climbing cousins. This new shrubby form brings the beauty of honeysuckle to spaces where traditional climbers might overwhelm.

The plant combines the classic honeysuckle fragrance with a more manageable growth habit, making it perfect for modern gardens and patios.

How Does This Compare to Traditional Honeysuckle?

Unlike traditional climbing honeysuckle, this compact variety grows as a deciduous shrub reaching manageable heights. It maintains the familiar tubular flowers and sweet perfume but in a more contained form.

The flowers appear in abundant clusters, showing off their distinctive strawberries and cream colouring throughout the season.

What Growing Conditions Does It Need?

‘Strawberries and Cream’ grows best in partial shade but tolerates full sun if the soil stays consistently moist. It thrives in moist but well-drained soil enriched with well-rotted manure or compost.

The plant adapts well to various garden situations and lends itself particularly well to patio pots.

How Do I Care for This Plant?

Regular watering helps establish strong roots, especially during the first growing season. Apply mulch in early spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Trim after flowering to maintain the bushy shape and encourage fresh growth for next season’s display.

Can I Grow It in Containers?

This compact honeysuckle excels in container growing. Choose a pot at least 30cm (12 inches) in diameter with good drainage holes.

Use quality compost and ensure consistent moisture without waterlogging. The plant’s natural bushy habit makes it perfect for container displays.

What Makes This Plant Wildlife-friendly?

The fragrant white flowers attract bees and butterflies during the day and moths at night. Later, black berries provide food for birds. The dense foliage offers excellent nesting sites for small birds.

What About Seasonal Interest?

As a deciduous shrub, ‘Strawberries and Cream’ loses its leaves in autumn but provides multiple seasons of interest. Spring brings fresh foliage, followed by abundant flowering through summer.

The stems create winter structure, while the ovate to oblong leaves offer a pleasant green backdrop during the growing season.

How Does It Benefit Wildlife?

Like all honeysuckles, this variety attracts pollinators with its deliciously sweet perfume. Bees particularly favour the tubular flowers, while birds may nest within the dense foliage.

The plant provides valuable nectar sources throughout its flowering period.

What Maintenance Does It Need?

Keep the plant looking its best with occasional trimming to maintain shape. Remove about 2-3in of growth after flowering to encourage bushiness.

Winter provides an opportunity to reshape the plant if needed, though heavy pruning isn’t usually necessary.

Where Should I Plant It?

Position this honeysuckle where its scent can be appreciated, such as near paths or seating areas. It works well in mixed borders or as a standalone specimen in a container.

Consider placing it where it receives morning sun but afternoon shade for optimal flowering.

Key Points to Remember:

•  Compact growth habit ideal for smaller gardens and containers
• Fragrant cream and strawberry-pink flowers
• Grows best in partial shade or full sun with consistent moisture
• Regular watering needed during establishment
• Perfect for patio pots and mixed borders
• Attracts beneficial wildlife
• Low maintenance requirements
• Loses leaves in winter but provides multi-season interest
• Benefits from light pruning after flowering to encourage new bud growth.
• Ideal for smaller spaces where traditional climbers wouldn’t work

For more information on climbing plants for your garden please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Lonicera periclymenum ‘Strawberries and Cream’ Honeysuckle?

A: This delightful honeysuckle variety features stunning flowers that blend cream and pink hues. It adds a sweet touch to any garden with its compact growth habit.

Q: Can I Grow Lonicera periclymenum ‘Strawberries and Cream’ in the Shade?

A: Indeed! This honeysuckle thrives in partial shade, making it an excellent choice for shadier spots in your garden.

Q: How Do I Care for My Lonicera periclymenum?

A: Caring for your honeysuckle is straightforward. Ensure it has well-drained soil, regular watering, and occasional pruning to maintain its shape. It flourishes in sunny positions but tolerates some shade.

Q: When Does the Lonicera periclymenum ‘Strawberries and Cream’ Bloom?

A: Beautiful flowers appear in late spring to early summer. The blooms emerge in clusters and fill your garden with a lovely fragrance!

Q: Where Can I Buy Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum?

A: Visit your local garden centre or browse trusted online retailers such as Swift Plants. Always purchase from reputable sellers to ensure quality plants.

Q: How Big Does the Lonicera periclymenum ‘Strawberries and Cream’ Grow?

A: This compact deciduous shrub reaches about 3 to 4 metres when mature, making it ideal for trellises or walls in your garden.