Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica' | 2 Litre Pot | 60cm - 70cm Height

Lonicera periclymenum ‘Belgica’ is a truly enchanting British native honeysuckle, celebrated for its rich, highly fragrant blooms and vigorous climbing habit.

This delightful plant, often called Woodbine or Honeysuckle, offers a spectacular display throughout the summer months. Its robust growth makes it an ideal choice for covering walls, fences, and pergolas, bringing both visual appeal and an intoxicating perfume to your outdoor spaces. Moreover, it actively supports local wildlife, providing both nectar and berries, which further enhances its value in any UK garden.

• Exquisite Fragrance: Emits a powerful, sweet scent, especially strong in the evenings.
• Striking Bicolour Blooms: Features deep reddish-purple buds that open to reveal creamy-yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers.
• Long Flowering Period: Provides a continuous show of colour and scent from early summer into autumn.
• Wildlife Magnet: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, with berries feeding birds.
• Versatile Climber: Perfect for trellises, arbours, fences, or scrambling through other robust plants.
• Native Charm: A cultivar of the common honeysuckle, native to the British Isles.

Exploring the Charm of Lonicera periclymenum ‘Belgica’

The native British honeysuckle, Lonicera periclymenum, is a cherished plant, and ‘Belgica’ stands out as a particularly fine cultivar. Its name, ‘Belgica’, suggests a connection to Belgium, perhaps referencing its discovery or popularisation in that region. This elegant climber brings a touch of classic cottage garden beauty to any setting. Its vigorous, twining stems readily ascend supports, creating a lush curtain of foliage and flowers.

A Symphony of Scent and Colour with Lonicera periclymenum

From June through to August, Lonicera periclymenum ‘Belgica’ produces an abundance of intricate flowers. These blooms emerge as deep reddish-purple buds, which then unfurl to display contrasting creamy-yellow interiors. The trumpet-like shape of each flower is perfectly adapted for pollinators, and they hang in attractive clusters. Furthermore, the fragrance released by these flowers is simply heavenly. It intensifies as evening approaches, filling the garden with a sweet, musky perfume that truly captivates the senses.

Foliage and Garden Presence

The foliage of this honeysuckle consists of simple, oval, mid-green leaves that provide a pleasing backdrop to the vibrant flowers. As the flowering season progresses, the blooms are followed by small, bright red berries. These berries add another layer of visual interest and, importantly, offer a vital food source for garden birds as autumn arrives. This makes Lonicera periclymenum ‘Belgica’ a valuable asset for supporting biodiversity in your outdoor space.

Ideal Uses for Lonicera periclymenum ‘Belgica’

Gardeners often use this versatile plant to adorn pergolas, archways, and fences, where its natural climbing habit can be fully appreciated. It creates a wonderfully romantic atmosphere, especially when allowed to ramble freely. Consider planting it near a seating area to fully enjoy its captivating scent. While a robust grower, a light prune after flowering helps to maintain its shape and encourages a strong flush of new growth for the following season. This simple task ensures continuous vigour and abundant blooms year after year.

A Haven for Wildlife

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this honeysuckle plays a crucial role in the garden ecosystem. Its nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for various pollinators, including long-tongued bees, hoverflies, and most notably, night-flying moths, which are drawn in by the intense evening scent. Butterflies also frequently visit the blooms during the day. As mentioned, the subsequent berries provide nourishment for birds, effectively turning your garden into a lively sanctuary. Lonicera periclymenum ‘Belgica’ truly embodies nature’s beauty and purpose.