Lonicera Species, Honeysuckle, Late Dutch Honeysuckle, Woodbine

In the Eastern US, where Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is prohibitively invasive, L. periclymenum is the best twining honeysuc...Read Morekle for fragrance. The fragrance is sweet and not heavy, strongest in the evening. It's the flowers that are fragrant, not the foliage.

This species isn't aggressive in the garden, nor does it invade natural areas here (Boston Z6a). According to BONAP, it has naturalized only in three states (Maine, coastal Washington and coastal Oregon) and three provinces (Nova Scotia, Ontario, and British Columbia).

Flowers occur in clusters at the ends of stems. To prolong bloom, I try to deadhead each cluster as it fades, before the fruit develops. When I do this, it goes through several flushes of bloom over the season, beginning in early summer and continuing well into autumn. Otherwise, fruiting will bring blooming to a halt. The fruit is scarlet and highly ornamental, and I stop deadheading in September to allow a final crop to develop.

Bloom is best in full sun, but flowering can be good in light/dappled shade as well. In full sun the foliage is also less prone to powdery mildew. Like other honeysuckles, it's also often troubled by aphids, but less so in shade than in full sun.

Because it twines around its support, this plant shouldn't be allowed to climb into shrubs and trees, as it can strangle whatever its stem wraps itself around. It's better to plant it where it can climb on a fence or trellis or invisible netting.

Flowering occurs on new wood. Best pruned in early spring to remove dead wood as necessary.

Dirr says this is hardy Z4-8.

The traditional common name for this species is "woodbine." It's sometimes called "woodbine honeysuckle" to distinguish it from Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), which is also called "woodbine" in some regions. "Dutch honeysuckle" refers specifically to the cultivar 'Belgica', and "late Dutch honeysuckle" to the later-blooming cultivar 'Serotina', which is often not true to type in the trade.

this is a favorite of mine. the colors are astonishing and the hummers love it !

There is some work involed to keep the old growth trimmed
out and spray for aphids , but the flowers and fragrance are
wel...Read Morel worth the trouble and the birds love the berries in the
fall. It seems to like it here in Michigan.

I love its fragnance very much...could 'nt miss it for that reason. Many ...maybe showier looking ones...don't have that fragnance. I tri...Read Morem it to keep in shape.