Lonicera per. Graham Thomas

Lonicera per. Graham Thomas

Why Buy Me?

• Vigorous grower
• Fragrant
• Twining

Growing Conditions

Light:
Full sun to partial shade. Requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight for best flowering and fragrance. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent wilting and flower fade.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Prefers loamy or sandy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Avoid waterlogged or compacted soils to prevent root issues.

Exposure:
Performs best in borders, containers, or trained up trellises, fences, arches, or pergolas. Thrives in a sheltered spot with roots kept cool—use mulch or plant low-growing groundcovers around the base.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate. Requires regular watering during establishment and dry weather. Benefits from consistent moisture throughout the growing season, especially when in bloom.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in spring after the last frost, or in early autumn to allow the roots to establish before winter.

Spacing:
Space 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft) apart depending on intended coverage. Will grow to around 4–6 m (13–20 ft) tall when supported, making it suitable for medium to large vertical spaces.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water regularly during dry periods, especially in summer. Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again after the first flowering to encourage continued blooming.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch annually in spring to retain moisture and reduce weed competition.
Pruning Group 2:
Lightly prune in late winter or early spring (February–March) to remove dead or weak stems and shape the plant. After the first flowering flush (early summer), lightly trim to encourage a second bloom.

Propagation:
Propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in late spring to mid-summer. Vegetative propagation is recommended to maintain true cultivar traits.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
New leafy shoots emerge. Buds begin forming in mid to late spring. Foliage is soft green and lush.

Summer:
Main flowering period is early to midsummer (June–July), with a potential second flush in late summer. Produces masses of fragrant, creamy-white to pale yellow tubular flowers with a sweet, clove-like scent. Particularly striking in the evening.

Autumn:
Flowering may continue into early autumn. Red berries may develop if pollinated. Leaves turn yellow and drop as temperatures cool.

Winter:
Deciduous. Bare woody stems remain through winter, offering some structural interest. Prune before new growth begins in spring.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and moths, especially at dusk when the scent is strongest. Flowers offer nectar, and dense summer growth provides nesting and shelter for birds and beneficial insects.

Garden Use:
Excellent for vertical coverage on trellises, pergolas, arches, and walls. Adds a romantic, classic charm to cottage gardens, wildlife gardens, and informal spaces. Suitable for growing through fences or paired with climbing roses for layered interest.

Companion Plants:
Combines beautifully with other climbers like Clematis viticella, Clematis 'Etoile Violette', or climbing roses. Complements herbaceous perennials like Lavandula, Nepeta, Geranium, and Salvia. Pairs well with silver- or blue-toned foliage for soft contrast.

Don’t miss out on the exceptional quality of the Lonicera per. Graham Thomas. It’s just a few clicks away when you order online, or you can stop by your nearest Thompson's Branch to pick one up and chat with our knowledgeable team.