Common Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum)

Common Honeysuckle

Lonicera periclymenum

Fragrant tubular blooms draw pollinators at dusk, a summer garden staple. Deciduous climbing vine; common names: woodbine, European honeysuckle.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; produces the most blooms when grown in full sun
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Watering Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to -15°C; tolerates mild summer heat up to 28°C with adequate moisture
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Opposite, oval to oblong, dark green; semi-evergreen in mild temperate regions
  • Flower: Tubular, two-lipped blooms in terminal clusters; creamy white fading to yellow, intensely fragrant after dusk
  • Stem: Woody, twining stems that wrap around supports for vertical growth
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth and flowering

Fertilization

Apply a layer of composted manure in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth over flowering

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2–3 months, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 with water for root drenching to avoid nutrient burn
Pruning
  • Thin overcrowded, damaged stems in late winter to improve airflow and light penetration
  • Deadhead spent blooms promptly to encourage prolonged flowering through mid-summer
  • Trim back wayward growth in early summer to maintain desired vine shape and size
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; edible nectar may be consumed in small amounts

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes love and devotion in traditional European folklore

Usage: Ornamental climbing vine for trellises and walls; nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds