Lonicera periclymenum or Common honeysuckle

Care of the plant Lonicera periclymenum or Common honeysuckle

The genus Lonicera, family Caprifoliaceae, comprises 100 species of shrubs and climbing plants native to the Northern Hemisphere. Some species are: Lonicera periclymemum, Lonicera nitida, Lonicera japonica, Lonicera implexa, Lonicera etrusca, Lonicera caprifolia, Lonicera sempervirens, Lonicera caerulea.

Common names: Common honeysuckle, European honeysuckle, Woodbine. This species is native to western Europe.

They are sarmentous deciduous shrubs that reach 4 meters in height. The leaves are opposite, oval in shape and deep green in color. The scented stumpy flowers can be yellowish, pink or purple in color. They bloom in summer. They produce globose red fruits.

They are used as climbing plants (they will need supports) to cover walls, pergolas or fences.

Lonicera periclymenum needs exposure to full sun or light shade; prefers to have shade at the base (roots). Located in the sun they will produce more flowers than in semi-shade. They resist occasional frosts.

The soil must be well drained and contain plenty of organic matter.

Water frequently throughout the year so that the substrate is always damp but without ever flooding.

Fertilize in autumn with humus or compost.

Prune after flowering by cutting the branches to 1/3 of their length.

They are quite resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases.

They propagate by cuttings made in late summer or early fall.