Honeysuckle - ​Lonicera periclymenum - €6 per plant 

Honeysuckle is a forest dwelling climber native to Europe. The heavily scented conspicuous flowers make this a favourite ornamental garden plant. The plant makes a terrific host for many species of invertebrates and fits well into the ecological garden. Honeysuckle can also be used for ground cover in areas of deep shade although it is more accustomed to a vertical habit. To order this plant please contact us. [email protected].  

Context

  • native region:Europe 
  • native habitat:Woods, hedgerows, scrub and shady places, avoiding calcareous soils
  • family: Caprifoliaceae

Predators

  • None known 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full shade - Semi-shade
  • soil pH: Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
  • Needs a support structure upon which to grow unless grown as a ground cover.
  • Established plants are fairly drought tolerant
  • Prefers its roots in the shade with its shoots climbing up into the sun


Known hazards 

  • Poisonous in large doses. It only has a very mild action

Overview

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  • Deciduous Climber growing to 4.5 m at a medium rate.
  • It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from Jul to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, lepidoptera, self.
  • The plant is self-fertile.
  • It is noted for attracting wildlife.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils.
  • It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.
  • It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Characteristics

  • form: Deciduous climber 
  • layer : Vertical or Ground Layer
  • habit: climbing
  • height x width (m): 4.5m
  • years to bearing yield: 
  • productive life span:

Products 

  • Nectar: Children (of all ages) suck the base of the flowers to extract the nectar
    Medicinal: A syrup made from the flowers has been used in the treatment of respiratory diseases. It is used as a mouthwash for ulcers
  • It can be allowed to scramble on the ground where it makes a good ground cover.

Functions, behaviours

  • Plants succeed even in quite deep shade.
  • Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus
  • Great wildlife plant, hosting many species of invertebrates
  • The flowers are very fragrant, especially in the evening when it attracts pollinating moths
  • Seed dispersal via birds
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project