Lonicera similis var. delavayi
semi-evergreen honeysuckle
Hailed as being more resistant to mildew than most of the other honeysuckles, this robust and easy to grow climber can also be grown as a lax-stemmed shrub that will form a spreading, arching mound. The cream-coloured flowers appear throughout summer, turning yellow as they age, and filling the surrounding air with their sweet perfume, which is often more pronounced in the evening and overnight.
How to care for Lonicera similis var. delavayi:
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.
In early spring young plants can be cut back by up to two thirds if you want to encourage strong new growth from the base. Also, once they have reached their desired height, or to prevent them from getting too congested, you can cut the stems back (again in early spring) to healthy buds. Well-established plants can be completely renovated by cutting back all the stems to around 60cm from the base in late winter or early spring. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base of the plant in early spring.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
Eventual spread:
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This climber is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new foliage appears again in spring.
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Humans/Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten
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