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Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica'

early Dutch honeysuckle

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Masses of fabulously fragrant, tubular, white flowers that turn deep yellow, and are streaked red outside, smother this honeysuckle in late spring. In hot summers, the flowers may be followed by small, bright red fruits. Deciduous and earlier flowering than many other varieties, this one will quickly cover a boundary wall or fence in full sun or partial shade. Its loose, spreading habit makes it a perfect choice for a cottage or wildlife garden. May produce a second flush of paler, yellowish flowers later in summer too.

How to care for Lonicera periclymenum Belgica:

To avoid dry conditions, and to ensure good soil contact around the rootball, we advise planting climbers at least 30cm (12in), and preferably 45-60cm (18-24in) away from the base of a wall or fence. An even larger distance should be maintained when planting climbers beside an existing tree or shrub.

When planting, add some soil conditioner (well-rotted compost) to the planting hole and some mycorrhizal fungi to aid root establishment. Newly planted honeysuckles should be cut back by up to two thirds in their first full year after planting, in early spring. The resulting new growth can then be tied onto a frame, and nipped back when it reaches the desired height.

In subsequent years (again in early spring), thin out congested stems, and prune lanky stems back to healthy buds. Every few years, you may want to renovate your plant, and you can do this by cutting it back to around 60cm (24in) above the ground.

The subsequent mass of growth will need to be thinned and tied on as before. After pruning, apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base of the plant.
Flowering period:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Eventual height:
7m
Eventual spread:
1m
Position:

Full sun / light shade

Rate of growth:

Fast-growing

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

  • InformationThis climber is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
  • InformationHumans/Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten

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PL00003794
3 litre pot | 60cm cane
£24.95
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
1
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Standard Delivery£5.99
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