American Honeysuckle Flower

Lonicera x americana is a vigorous, deciduous climber that is a hybrid of L. caprifolium and L. etrusca. It is widely considered by UK horticulturists to be one of the best honeysuckles for both flower display and fragrance. It produces large, terminal whorls of intensely fragrant flowers that are creamy-white, rapidly turning deep yellow and flushed with purple-pink on the outside. The flowering period is exceptionally long, often extending from early summer through to the first frosts. It can reach up to 8 metres in height and is perfect for covering large fences or pergolas. In the UK, it is fully hardy (H6) and relatively resistant to powdery mildew. It thrives in any fertile, well-drained soil. Like most honeysuckles, it benefits from having its 'feet in the shade and head in the sun.' Pruning should involve thinning out old wood in late winter to encourage new, flowering growth.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.