Lonicera japonica 'Horwood Gem'
Japanese honeysuckle
This climber is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new foliage appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: fast-growing
- Flowering period: April to August
- Hardiness: fully hardy
The green leaves of this fast-growing climber are variously mottled with creamy yellow, and these form a showy backdrop for the flowers, which will often appear over a long period in summer. Larger than average and rich in pollen and nectar, the flowers are sought after by bees and other pollinators, while their sweet perfume will make spending time outside even more enjoyble for us! - Garden care: Newly planted honeysuckles should be cut back by up to two thirds in their first year in early spring. The resulting new growth can then be tied onto a frame, and nipped back when it reaches the desired height. In subsequent years (again in early spring), thin out congested stems, and prune lanky stems back to healthy buds. Every few years, you may want to renovate your plant, and you can do this by cutting it back to around 60cm above the ground. The subsequent mass of growth will need to be thinned and tied on as before. After pruning, apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base of the plant.
- Humans/Pets Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten
Goes well with
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