It is practically unheard of to garden in the cottage garden style without including at least one Honeysuckle. Lonicera periclymenum ‘Fragrant Cloud’ is a particularly profusely flowering variety with a heavenly scent. The deep pink spidery blooms have a contrasting beige interior. Copious flowers appear from June to September.
After flowering the red berries that are produced are a magnet for birds, providing much needed food.
This plant can be grown up against walls and fences with some support such as trellis or wires, climbing over a pergola or up a tree or large shrub. It is a vigorous plant growing up to 7m (22ft) and a spread of 1.5m (5ft).
Moist but free draining soil is ideal. If you have poor soil in your garden it can be improved by adding compost. Honeysuckles are best situated in sun or semi-shade. If you wish to grow this plant in a container it is best to use a loam based compost such as John Innes No3 as this will keep it’s structure when used for long term planting.
Until established the plant will need regular watering. As it becomes more deeply rooted and can find it’s own water the need for watering is less. Occasional damage by aphids may occur, so treat accordingly. Remove the oldest stems after flowering and reduce the remaining stems to restrict growth to the space available.
You will not be disappointed by the gorgeous display and wonderous fragrance that wafts throughout the garden and into your house if grown near windows or doors. This is a truly stunning climber and long lived hardy plant.
To view this plant at Thompson & Morgan click here
Mark Snelling
Caution harmful if eaten. All images copyright Thompson & Morgan
