Lonicera, Honeysuckle, Late Dutch Honeysuckle, Woodbine 'Serotina'

This is an excellent Honeysuckle, and probably the best if you are looking for a cultivar that stays in bounds. We have several growing o...Read Moren a 6' fence and keeping it there involves little effort. The fragrance is wonderful and very strong in the morning, where we have it placed so we can enjoy it for a moment when going to work each day. The blooms are around pretty much all summer, and they are quite pretty. The plant itself is very healthy with no pests or diseases noted.

In the Eastern US, where Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is prohibitively invasive, L. periclymenum is the best repeat-blooming,...Read More twining honeysuckle for fragrance. The fragrance is sweet and not heavy, strongest in the evening.

This species isn't aggressive in the garden, nor does it invade natural areas in N. America. BONAP shows that it has naturalized in the US only in Maine, Washington, and Oregon, and in Canada only in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia.

'Serotina' has been in cultivation since the 1600's, and is really a group of clones which begin flowering later than the species. The Royal Horticultural Society has given this cultivar group its coveted Award of Garden Merit.

Dirr says that most of what's sold as 'Serotina' in the US is an impostor.

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. 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.

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.

This is an old cultivar, dating from the 17th century. Many different clones are sold under this name, having in common the late onset of flowering. Most are excellent garden plants, with excellent fragrance and a long season of bloom. The RHS suggests they all be called "Lonicera periclymenoides, Serotina group."

As of now, it seems to be a slow grower. I will update this as the plant progresses.