Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica Select' – Honeysuckle 'Belgica Select'
Origins and characteristics
Native to the woodland edges, hedgerows and banks of Western Europe, Lonicera periclymenum grows naturally in cool, siliceous soils. The selection 'Belgica Select' is a horticultural variety known for its abundant flowering, rapid growth and intense fragrance, highly valued in gardens. It is a classic of naturalistic, cottage‑style and romantic gardens.
Description and particularities
This is a twining climber with flexible stems that wraps itself around its support. Its deciduous blue‑green, slightly downy foliage remains decorative throughout the season. Its flowering, from June to August, is spectacular: tubular flowers with protruding stamens, cream‑white to orange‑yellow, often tinged with pink or purple. Strongly scented in the evening, they attract bees, butterflies and pollinating insects.
- Adult height: 3 to 5 m
- Spread: 2 to 3 m (depending on support)
- Habit: Twining climber
- Foliage: Deciduous, blue‑green
- Flowering: June to August
- Hardiness: Very good (down to –20 °C)
- Growth: Fast
Flowering and fragrance
- Flowers: Tubular, bicoloured (white to orange‑yellow, purplish tones)
- Period: Summer (June to August)
- Fragrance: Strong, sweet, more intense in the evening
- Attractiveness: Very nectar‑ and pollen‑rich
Exposure and soil
- Exposure: Sun, partial shade or light shade
- Soil: Rich, cool, well‑drained, neutral to slightly acidic
- Tolerates sea winds, pollution and humus‑rich soils
- Avoid very dry or highly calcareous soils
Planting
- Plant in spring or autumn at the base of a support
- Spacing: 50 cm to 1 m depending on desired effect
- Mulching recommended to keep soil cool in summer
- Add compost or potting soil at planting
Watering
- Regular watering during the first two years
- Afterwards, fairly tolerant of moderate drought
- Water during hot, dry summers
Pruning
- Light pruning in late winter to maintain shape and encourage flowering
- Remove dead or tangled stems
- Partial cutting back possible to control growth
Propagation
- Semi‑ripe cuttings in summer
- Layering possible in spring
- Rarely self‑seeding
Garden uses
Perfect for:
- Covering a pergola, arbour, fence or façade
- Creating a fragrant green wall
- Natural boundary between garden areas
- Combine with: clematis, golden hop, climbing roses, winter jasmine
Disease protection
- Resistant to common diseases
- Watch for:
- Aphids or powdery mildew in humid conditions
- Snails on young shoots in very moist soil
- Prevent by ensuring good air circulation
Growing tips
- Provide a strong support (trellis, fence, pergola…)
- Roots in shade, top in sun: ideal exposure for abundant flowering
- Add compost each spring to feed the plant
- Light pruning to balance and renew stems
Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica Select', or Honeysuckle, is an essential climbing plant: floriferous, fragrant, hardy and easy to grow. Perfect for creating a romantic, natural atmosphere, it brings shade, life and scent to any garden, even in partial shade.
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