Honeysuckle (Lonicera) is one of the most rewarding climbing plants you can grow. With its twining stems and intensely fragrant flowers, it brings colour and scent to walls, fences, pergolas and trellises from late spring right through to autumn.
Planting honeysuckle
Plant in autumn or spring in a position that gets at least partial sun. Honeysuckle tolerates most soils but thrives in rich, moist, well-drained ground. Dig in plenty of compost before planting and give the roots room to establish.
Training and support
Honeysuckle climbs by twining, so it needs wires, a trellis or a sturdy fence to cling to. Tie in new shoots loosely and guide them in the direction you want.
Pruning
Prune after flowering to keep the plant tidy. Cut back the flowered shoots by a third and remove any dead or crossing stems. Hard pruning every few years keeps older plants vigorous.
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