Etruscan Honeysuckle 'Donald Waterer'

Lonicera etrusca 'Donald Waterer' is a vigorous, deciduous to semi-evergreen climber that brings the essence of the Mediterranean hillside to UK pergolas and fences. This cultivar is noted for its beautiful, highly fragrant flower clusters. The blooms emerge as creamy-yellow buds tinged with pink or purple, opening to reveal rich yellow throats. The scent is particularly powerful in the evening, making it a perfect choice for planting near a patio or seating area. The foliage consists of rounded, blue-green leaves that provide a soft backdrop to the floral display. In the UK, it is generally hardy but performs best in a warm, sheltered spot with its 'roots in the shade and head in the sun'. It is more drought-tolerant than many other honeysuckle species once established. Following flowering, it may produce small red berries that are attractive to birds. Occasional thinning of old stems helps to maintain vigour and encourage new flowering wood.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul.