Also known as European honeysuckle, this twining deciduous shrub has a vine-like growth habit. It is native to woodlands, hedgerows and scrublands of Europe, North Africa and western Asia and is a member of the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae, that also includes weigelia, snowberry, and scabious. Plants grow 10-20′ tall/long and have thin stems that are brown, purple or red. The opposite, dark green leaves are ovate to obovate, 1-3″ long, and have a conspicuous vein down the center of the top side. Terminal whorled clusters of tubular, two-lipped flowers 1-2.5″ long appear in late spring and periodically through summer. The buds may be flushed with pink or red but open to show a creamy white interior that turns yellow with maturity. The flowers are fragrant, more so at night than during the day, and attract butterflies and other pollinators. The fruit is a red berry that matures in the fall. Woodbine grows best in cool climates and likes its roots in the shade. It is useful as a screen and is a good choice for shade, fragrance, butterfly, pollinator, and wildlife gardens. The genus name, Lonicera, honors Adam Lonitzer (1528-1586), a German botanist and author. The specific epithet, periclymenum, honors Περῐκλῠ́μενος (Periklymenon), an Argonaut in Greek mythology who had the ability to change his shape, and refers to way the flowers change color with maturity.
Type: Twining deciduous shrub
Bloom: Terminal clusters of tubular, two-lipped white flowers in late spring, periodically through summer
Size: 10-20′ H x 3-6′ W
Light: Dappled shade to part shade to sun; afternoon shade in hot climates
Soil: Average, medium moist, well-drained; drought tolerant once established
USDA Hardiness: Zones 5-9
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: Generally healthy but can suffer damage from powdery mildew, leaf spots aphids, and scale.
Propagation: Layering, seed, stem cutting
Companion Plants: Clematis, rambling rose, English lavender
Outstanding Selections:
‘Belgica’ (purplish red color on the outside of the flowers)
‘Berries Jubilee’ (Yellow flowers, red berries)
‘Serotina’ ( flowers dark pink on outside, whitish-yellow inside)
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Karen