Delavay's Honeysuckle

A somewhat underused but valuable semi-evergreen honeysuckle for UK gardens. This species is particularly prized for its late-summer flowering period and its intense, sweet perfume. The flowers are tubular, opening white and slowly aging to a warm buttery yellow, often appearing in pairs from the leaf axils. The foliage is attractive, with lance-shaped, dark green leaves that have a greyish underside, providing good year-round interest in milder winters. It is a vigorous twiner, capable of reaching 5-8 metres, making it suitable for covering large fences, walls, or unsightly structures. It is generally hardy, though it may lose its leaves in particularly harsh winters or exposed northern locations. It performs best in a sunny, sheltered spot which helps to ripen the wood and promote better flowering. Low maintenance and relatively pest-free, it is an excellent alternative to the more common Japanese honeysuckles.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Aug, Sep.