Lonicera similis var. delavayi
Delavay honeysuckle
A semi-evergreen shrub of scandent habit, with ovate leaves white-hairy beneath, and fragrant tubular-funnel-shaped white flowers 5-6cm in length, ageing to yellow, in early autumn, followed by black berries
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 | Green | |||
| Autumn | Yellow White | Green | Black | |
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- 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
- W China
How to grow
Cultivation
Ideal for a mild garden this honeysuckle needs to be frost-free. Grow in full sun in any moist but well-drained soil
Propagation
Propagate by layering, softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 11 in early spring
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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