Japanese Honeysuckle

This variety of Japanese honeysuckle is prized for its attractive purple-flushed stems and winter foliage. It is a vigorous, semi-evergreen to evergreen climber that twines easily around any available support. The flowers are highly fragrant, opening white with a deep purple or red tint on the outside and turning yellow as they age. This creates a multi-coloured effect throughout the summer. The scent is strongest in the evening, attracting moths and other nocturnal pollinators. In the UK, it is a very hardy and reliable performer, though it can become somewhat invasive if not kept in check with regular pruning. It is an excellent choice for a boundary fence or for scrambling over a large pergola. It is very tolerant of different soil types, including clay, and can handle both sun and significant shade, though flowering will be more abundant in a sunny spot. Small black berries follow the flowers.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Any well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.