European honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum)

European honeysuckle

Also known as: Woodbine, Common honeysuckle

European honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) is a flowering plant native to Europe, North Africa, and Turkey. As all honeysuckle, european honeysuckle's flowers are white when they are just blooming and gradually turn yellow. Its flowers are high scented at night and attract moths and bees as pollinators.

Scientific classification

Species

European honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum)

Honeysuckles, moschatels and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

7 m

Plant Height

90 cm to 1.2 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Size

Red

Fruit Color

White, Yellow, Pink, Cream, Purple, Red

Flower Color

Green, Red, Purple, Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of European honeysuckle

Distribution of European honeysuckle

Distribution Map

European honeysuckle is native to Eurasia and North Africa. scrublands, and shaded areas. It has been introduced in the Pacific US and Canada and Saudi Arabia. It is a popular gardening plant in its native countries and in North America.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Woods, hedgerows, scrub, shady places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

European honeysuckle is a popular perennial vine prized for its profusion of fragrant flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. It is used to decorate fences, trellises, and arbors. European honeysuckle is an essential plant in flower gardens. Plant it with hibiscus, coneflowers, lantana, and lilies for added color and texture.

Symbolism

Good luck, fidelity

Interesting Facts

Known for its fragrant aroma, the european honeysuckle flower emits a stronger scent in the evening attracting the nocturnal hummingbird hawk-moth. Regarded as a lucky omen if seen in the garden, the hummingbird hawk-moth can detect the honeysuckle fragrance from a quarter mile away. Night blooming flowers are often pollinated by night-flying insects or bats.

Name Story

European honeysuckle||English honeysuckle: In the UK, it is one of the two native honeysuckles, the other being Lonicera xylosteum. The flowers are highly scented by night, much less so by the day. Furthermore, the plant is usually pollinated by moths or long-tongued bees and develops bright red berries. Therefore, it is commonly called European honeysuckle or English honeysuckle.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of European honeysuckle, including the following common varieties :

European honeysuckle 'Sweet Sue'European honeysuckle 'Scentsation'European honeysuckle 'Heaven Scent'European honeysuckle 'Serotina'European honeysuckle 'Belgica'European honeysuckle 'Graham Thomas'European honeysuckle 'Peaches and Cream'

Toxicity

European honeysuckle has bright red berries that are highly toxic due to saponins. Consumption causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It’s particularly dangerous for small children, dogs, and cats, necessitating immediate medical or veterinary attention if ingested. Precautionary measures include fencing off or eradicating the plant in areas accessible to vulnerable individuals and pets.

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Quickly Identify European honeysuckle

Twining stems up to 20 feet (6 meters) long.

Highly fragrant cream or pinkish tubular flowers.

Distinct deep red berries around 0.25 inches (6 mm) in diameter.

Dark green oval leaves with prominent central vein.

Glabrous, slender stems with brown to red coloration.

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Care Guide for European honeysuckle

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: European honeysuckle thrives in moderate humidity and prefers consistent moisture without waterlogging. Water it every 1-2 weeks, as it is moderately drought-tolerant. This climbing outdoor plant flourishes in temperate zones and benefits from rainwater, aiding its healthy growth season.

Fertilize: European honeysuckle thrives with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 NPK) once in spring. Follow package instructions to avoid over-fertilization. Monthly feeding aids flowering during growth; reduce or pause in winter. Water deeply after fertilizing to ensure nutrient distribution and root protection for healthy blooms and foliage.

Pruning: European honeysuckle features vigorous growth and fragrant flowers, needing pruning in early spring. Trim dead or overgrown stems and remove one-third of the oldest stems at the base to boost growth and air circulation, enhancing its shape and promoting abundant flowering.

Propagation: European honeysuckle thrives from semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer, including a node and leaves. Dip in rooting hormone, plant in well-draining sandy compost, and maintain humidity under a plastic cover in indirect light. Keep soil moist but avoid waterlogging for optimal rooting.

Repotting: Repot european honeysuckle every 2-3 years in spring using a deep pot to support its extensive roots. Ensure proper climbing support post-repotting, maintain moist but not waterlogged soil, and prune seasonally to promote health and manage size for optimal growth.

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Images of European honeysuckle

Distribution of European honeysuckle

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify European honeysuckle

Care Guide for European honeysuckle

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