Honeysuckle – a fragrant climbing plant for the garden
Honeysuckle is a classic climbing plant that brings lush greenery and a wonderful fragrance to the garden. It twines elegantly up trellises, fences or house walls with its flexible shoots. On summer evenings, honeysuckle spreads a delightful sweet scent from its tubular flowers, making it a favourite in many Swedish and European gardens. The flower colours range from creamy yellow and pink to fiery red depending on the variety, and after flowering the plant produces small decorative berries (which are not edible).
Honeysuckle belongs to the genus Lonicera and thrives in Nordic climates. Several varieties are hardy and can cope with winters in large parts of Sweden and Northern Europe. For example, common honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) is known for tolerating colder areas (up to hardiness zone 5, in some cases zone 6) and for flowering abundantly with fragrant blooms. For beginners, honeysuckle is an excellent choice. It is easy to grow, fast-growing and soon rewards you with lush foliage and beautiful flowers.
How to plant honeysuckle
Planting honeysuckle is straightforward and works well both in garden beds and in large containers. Follow these steps to get started:
Prepare the plant: Start by placing the root ball in a bucket of water. Let the honeysuckle absorb water while you prepare the planting site. A well-moistened root ball helps the plant establish successfully.
Choose the right location: Find a sheltered spot with some sun but not intense sunlight all day. Honeysuckle thrives in sun or partial shade. Too much strong sun throughout the day can cause the soil to dry out quickly. In the garden, plant near a trellis, fence or pergola where it can climb. For container growing, a large pot on a balcony or patio works well, preferably near a wall or railing where you can attach climbing support.
Plant in the ground or in a pot: Dig a generous hole (about 50 cm deep and wide) if planting in a bed. The soil should be nutrient-rich, humus-rich and moisture-retentive yet well-drained. Improve the soil with compost or planting soil if needed. Place the honeysuckle so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Fill in with soil and firm gently. If planting in a pot, choose a large container (at least 40 cm in diameter) with drainage holes. Fill with good-quality potting soil and plant at the same depth as in the nursery pot.
Support and tying in: Install climbing support immediately if it is not already in place. This can be a trellis, netting or wires fixed to a wall. Help the first shoots find their way by gently tying them to the support. Honeysuckle will twine naturally around thin supports as it grows, but young shoots may need guidance at first.
Water thoroughly: Finish by watering generously right after planting so the soil settles and the roots make good contact. Keep the soil slightly moist during the establishment period. In pots, regular watering is especially important as container soil dries out faster than garden beds.
Care and positioning
Honeysuckle is generally easy to care for, but a few tips will help ensure a healthy and floriferous plant:
Light and position: Honeysuckle thrives in both sun and partial shade. It can tolerate direct sun for a few hours a day, but avoid locations with intense sun all day without shade. Partially shaded spots with morning or evening sun are ideal. If planted against a south-facing wall, the soil may need more frequent watering.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during establishment and warm periods. Honeysuckle does not like waterlogged soil but appreciates consistent moisture. Check the soil with your finger; when it feels dry a few centimetres down, it is time to water. In containers, daily checks may be necessary during summer.
Feeding: To encourage vigorous growth and abundant flowering, provide some nutrients. Add compost around the base in spring or use a general garden fertiliser in April/May. Further feeding during the season is usually unnecessary, as honeysuckle is not very demanding. Avoid over-fertilising, as too much nitrogen can result in leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Support and growth: Always ensure honeysuckle has something to climb. Without support, it may sprawl along the ground, but most gardeners prefer it to climb. Tie in shoots as needed if they lose grip or grow in the wrong direction. Depending on the variety, honeysuckle can easily reach 2–4 metres in height.
Pruning: Honeysuckle does not need annual pruning, but light pruning in late winter or early spring can encourage denser growth. Remove dead or very old branches before new growth begins. If the plant becomes bare at the base or overly sprawling, cut back some of the oldest shoots near ground level to stimulate new growth. Honeysuckle tolerates fairly hard pruning if necessary, but flowering may be reduced that year.
Winter care: Most honeysuckles are deciduous and lose their leaves in winter, regrowing them in spring. Hardy varieties overwinter well without problems. For honeysuckle grown in containers outdoors, protect the pot in winter by placing it near a wall, wrapping it with bubble wrap or burlap, or using an insulating outer pot to protect the roots from severe frost.
Tips and frequently asked questions
Can honeysuckle be grown in a pot?
Yes, honeysuckle grows well in containers as long as the pot is large enough and the plant has support to climb. Choose a stable container (ideally at least 40 litres) with drainage holes. Water and fertilise regularly, and protect the pot from winter cold if needed.
Does honeysuckle need a trellis or support?
Yes, honeysuckle is a twining climber that needs something to wrap its shoots around. Without support it will grow along the ground. Trellises, wires, fences or even shrubs and trees can serve as support.
How fast does honeysuckle grow?
Honeysuckle grows relatively quickly when conditions are right. The first year focuses on root establishment, but noticeable growth usually follows. Within two to three years it can cover a trellis or fence section, and under ideal conditions it can grow several decimetres per week in midsummer.
Is honeysuckle poisonous? Can you eat the berries?
Honeysuckle berries are not edible and are considered mildly poisonous. Leave them as decoration or remove them if children might be tempted to taste them. If you want edible berries from a relative of honeysuckle, consider growing honeyberry (Lonicera caerulea) instead.
When does honeysuckle flower?
Honeysuckle flowers in summer, usually starting in June. Many varieties continue flowering into July and August, sometimes in waves throughout the season. Flowering time and abundance depend on the variety and location, but the fragrant blooms are always a highlight of the garden and attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
Author: Emma Vogiatzi
Fact-checked by: Erik Hoekstra
Last updated: 2025-12-12