Lonicera tragophylla
Chinese honeysuckle
A vigorous, deciduous climber that can grow to 6m. The paired leaves are oval, to 12cm long, with those near the shoot tips joined at the base to surround the stem. Whorls of pure yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers appear in mid- to late summer, followed by red berries
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Lonicera can be deciduous and evergreen shrubs, or climbers with twining stems. The tubular or two-lipped flowers, often very fragrant, are followed by red or black berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C China
How to grow
Cultivation
Best in partial shade but tolerates full sun, thrives in any moist but well-drained soil
Propagation
Propagate by layering, hardwood cuttings or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 11, after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to honeysuckle aphids, Thrips and glasshouse whitefly
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, fungal leaf spot, silver leaf and honey fungus (rarely)
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