The short answer

Quick Answer

Honeysuckle (Woodbine) thrives in partial shade or full shade on most soils (pH 6-7.5), free-draining. Reaches 4 to 6m with support. Hardy to around -25°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: After flowering in late summer. Cut back by a third

How: Remove flowered stems to a strong new shoot. Thin congested growth

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Europe and Asia, including the UK

Native or exotic: Native. Lonicera periclymenum is a true British native

History: Has grown wild in British hedgerows for thousands of years

Folklore: In folklore, honeysuckle symbolised devoted love because the stems twine tightly around their support

Fun fact: Honeysuckle is one of the few plants that releases scent specifically at dusk to attract moths

Historical medicinal uses: Used traditionally in cough remedies. Not for self-medication without expert advice

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Outstanding for moths. Long-tongued moths including elephant hawk-moth visit. Bees visit during the day [3][4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 10 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 8 out of 10 Very high. Native species supports many insects and birds[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 7 out of 10 Flowering June to September. Red berries August to October[4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Climbs through trees and large shrubs. Pairs with wild roses in native hedges

Pest control: Generally pest free

Common diseases and issues: Powdery mildew, aphids on new growth, honey fungus in susceptible gardens

Invasive note: Some non-native honeysuckles can be invasive. Choose L. periclymenum cultivars for safety. See RHS Lonicera page

CGM care note

Honeysuckle prefers its roots in shade. We plant at the base of a wall or shrub so the soil stays cool while the climber reaches into sun.

  • Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis and Wisteria floribunda)
  • Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla, H. paniculata, H. arborescens)
  • Clematis (Clematis species and hybrids)
  • Roses (Rosa species and hybrids)

CGM guides mentioning Honeysuckle (Woodbine)

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Honeysuckle (Woodbine) and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Honeysuckle (Woodbine)

How Honeysuckle (Woodbine) fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Clematis, climbing plants, can share trellis, pergola or wall support
  • Wisteria, climbing plants, can share trellis, pergola or wall support
  • Star Jasmine, climbing plants, can share trellis, pergola or wall support

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Honeysuckle (Woodbine).

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Honeysuckle (Woodbine) are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Honeysuckle (Woodbine) (Lonicera periclymenum and hybrids). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Honeysuckle (Woodbine). The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Lonicera periclymenum and hybrids. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Caprifoliaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Bell CD, Edwards EJ, Kim ST, Donoghue MJ (2001). Datura and Lonicera phylogeny. American Journal of Botany, 88(2), 279-288.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Caprifoliaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, pollinators, pruning.

  4. 4
    Hicks DM, Ouvrard P, Baldock KCR, et al. (2016). Food for pollinators: quantifying the nectar and pollen resources of urban flower meadows. PLOS ONE, 11(6), e0158117.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 10/10 for Honeysuckle (Woodbine). The pollinator description above ("Outstanding for moths. Long-tongued moths including elephant hawk-moth visit. Bees visit during the day") is consistent with this study's finding that plants in the high-nectar-yield category attract exceptional numbers of bees, butterflies, and moths. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Very high. Native species supports many insects and birds") is supported by the study's quantification of nectar resources during the mid-summer flowering period (Seasonal highlight: "Flowering June to September. Red berries August to October"). Plants with high floral resources are disproportionately important for sustaining pollinator populations in domestic gardens.

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 10/10 and the Pollinators description ("Outstanding for moths. Long-tongued moths including elephant hawk-moth visit. Bees visit during the day"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Honeysuckle (Woodbine)'s ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Very high. Native species supports many insects and birds") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Honeysuckle (Woodbine). The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Honeysuckle (Woodbine)'s rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Caprifoliaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Honeysuckle (Woodbine). The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Honeysuckle (Woodbine). This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Honeysuckle (Woodbine). The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Honeysuckle (Woodbine). The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Honeysuckle (Woodbine). The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Honeysuckle (Woodbine). This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Honeysuckle (Woodbine). Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Honeysuckle (Woodbine) performs well locally

Towns where Honeysuckle (Woodbine) is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

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