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.
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.
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:
4m
Eventual spread:
2.5m
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
3 litre pot | 60cm cane
£29.99
available to order from spring
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