Lonicera per. Serotina

Lonicera per. Serotina

Why Buy Me?

• Vigorous grower
• Fragrant
• Twining

Growing Conditions

Light:
Full sun to partial shade. Performs best with a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Tolerates partial shade well, especially in hotter climates where some afternoon shade may help preserve flower colour and scent.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Prefers loamy or sandy soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions that may cause root issues.

Exposure:
Ideal for growing along trellises, fences, arches, and pergolas. Prefers a sheltered position with roots kept cool and shaded—use mulch or underplant with low-growing perennials to protect the root zone.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate. Requires regular watering during establishment and dry spells. Benefits from consistent moisture during the flowering period for optimal performance.

Cultivation & Care

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

Spacing:
Space 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft) apart or as needed to cover a structure. Grows to 4–6 m (13–20 ft) tall with support, making it suitable for medium to large vertical spaces.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water well during dry weather and when in bloom. Feed with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again after the first flowering flush to encourage repeat blooming.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pruning Group 2:
Prune lightly in late winter or early spring (February–March) to remove dead or weak growth and shape the plant. After the first flowering (late summer), trim lightly to promote a second flush and tidy the plant.

Propagation:
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by layering. For best results, propagate vegetatively to maintain true flower form and colour.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
New leafy growth appears; buds begin developing late in the season compared to other varieties.

Summer:
Main flowering begins in midsummer (July) and continues into early autumn. Produces beautifully fragrant, tubular flowers in rich shades of purple-red, pink, and creamy yellow. The blooms are strongly scented, particularly in the evening.

Autumn:
Late flowers may persist into early autumn. Glossy red berries may follow the flowers if pollinated. Foliage turns yellow before leaf drop.

Winter:
Deciduous. Loses leaves in winter. Woody stems remain and can be pruned before spring growth resumes.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and moths due to its rich fragrance and nectar. Pollinated flowers may produce berries that birds will enjoy. Foliage provides summer shelter for beneficial insects and small birds.

Garden Use:
An excellent climber for covering arches, pergolas, fences, and walls. Ideal in cottage gardens, wildlife gardens, and mixed borders. Combines well with other late-flowering climbers for extended seasonal interest.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with Clematis viticella, Clematis texensis, or Clematis tangutica for overlapping bloom times. Looks beautiful with perennials like Salvia, Nepeta, Lavandula, Campanula, and ornamental grasses. Complements climbing roses or can be grown into small trees for a naturalistic look.

Don’t miss out on the exceptional quality of the Lonicera per. Serotina. 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.