Giant Burmese Honeysuckle

For the gardener in the far south-west of the UK or with a large conservatory, the Giant Burmese Honeysuckle is the ultimate climbing prize. It is the largest of all honeysuckles, with individual flowers reaching up to 15cm in length. These massive, tubular blooms open creamy-white and age to a deep, rich orange-gold. They are accompanied by a powerful, heady fragrance that can fill an entire garden on a summer evening. The leaves are also suitably large, leathery, and evergreen. This is a very vigorous woody climber that can reach 10-15 metres in the right conditions. However, it is tender (H2-H3) and will not survive hard frosts. In most of the UK, it must be grown under glass or in a very sheltered, urban microclimate. When it can be grown, it is a truly spectacular plant that provides a tropical feel. It needs a very large, strong support and plenty of room to expand. Moisture-retentive but well-drained soil is essential.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Rich, moist but well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H3 — down to −5°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug.