Honeysuckle, Lonicera, Periclymenum ‘Belgica’

Plant Fact File:

• Plant Type: Deciduous Climbing Vine
• Common Name: Honeysuckle, Woodbine
• Botanical Name: Lonicera periclymenum ‘Belgica’
• Height: Up to 6 meters (20 feet)
• Spread: Up to 2.5 meters (8 feet)
• Growth Habit: Climbing, Twining
• Foliage: Green, Oval to Lanceolate Leaves
• Flowers: Fragrant, Tubular, Pink and Cream Blooms
• Flowering Period: Late Spring to Early Summer
• Hardiness: Fully Hardy
• Aspect: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Soil Type: Moist, Well-Draining
• Uses: Climbing Support, Trellises, Fences, Walls, Arches, Pergolas, Cottage Gardens

Description:

Lonicera periclymenum ‘Belgica’, commonly known as Woodbine or Honeysuckle ‘Belgica’, is a deciduous climbing vine prized for its fragrant flowers and twining growth habit. This variety features clusters of tubular blooms in shades of pink and cream, which emit a delightful fragrance, particularly in the evening. The foliage consists of green, oval to lanceolate leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the flowers.

Key Features:

• Fragrant Flowers: One of the main attractions of ‘Belgica’ is its fragrant flowers, which are highly appealing to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The tubular blooms emit a sweet fragrance, especially in the evening, making them ideal for planting near outdoor seating areas where their scent can be enjoyed.
• Climbing Growth Habit: As a climbing vine, ‘Belgica’ exhibits a twining growth habit, using its tendrils to cling to and ascend structures such as trellises, fences, walls, arches, and pergolas. It can quickly cover vertical surfaces, providing vertical interest and softening hard landscaping features.
• Long Flowering Period: ‘Belgica’ typically flowers from late spring to early summer, producing clusters of blooms along the length of its stems. The flowers continue to appear intermittently throughout the season, extending the period of interest and attracting pollinators to the garden.
• Deciduous Foliage: The foliage of ‘Belgica’ consists of green, oval to lanceolate leaves that emerge in spring and persist throughout the growing season. In autumn, the leaves may turn yellow before dropping, revealing the vine’s attractive branching structure during the winter months.
• Versatile Uses: Honeysuckle ‘Belgica’ is a versatile plant that can be used in various ways in the landscape. It is well-suited for training on trellises, fences, walls, arches, and pergolas, where it can provide vertical interest and create a romantic cottage garden ambiance. It can also be grown in containers on patios or balconies.