Masses of highly scented, pure white, tubular flowers, ageing to yellow, smother this handsome honeysuckle from April to August, giving it a two-tone appearance. Many of the handsome, tapered, glossy, dark green leaves are retained all year, so this vigorous variety is ideal for covering a pergola, arch or boundary wall, or scrambling through robust shrubs and trees. It is happy in sun or partial shade.
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.
Newly planted honeysuckles should be cut back by up to two thirds in their first year 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 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.
Full sun / light shade
Fast-growing
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Fully hardy
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