Lonicera caprifolium
perfoliate honeysuckle
A strong-growing, twining deciduous shrub making a large climber with oval, blue-green leaves, the upper perfoliate. Flowers to 5cm in length, scented, creamy-white, in terminal clusters. Berries orange-red
Other common names
caprifolecaprifoly
see moreearly cream honeysuckle
goat honeysuckle
goat-leaf honeysuckle
Italian honeysuckle
Italian woodbine
lily-among-thorns
white Italian honeysuckle
Synonyms
Lonicera 'Early Cream'
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream White | Blue Green | ||
| Autumn | Blue Green | Orange Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical 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
- Europe to Caucasus
How to grow
Cultivation
Best in partial shade but can tolerate full sun, will grow in any moist but well-drained soil
Propagation
Propagate by layering, hardwood cuttings or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- 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)
Get involved
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