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

Lonicera periclymenum ‘Serotina’ offers a delightful spectacle of late-season blooms, bringing sweet fragrance and vibrant colour to your UK garden.

Often called Late Dutch Honeysuckle or simply Woodbine, Lonicera periclymenum ‘Serotina’ is a popular deciduous climber. It hails from the species Lonicera periclymenum, a native British honeysuckle. This specific cultivar, ‘Serotina’, gains its name from the Latin word for ‘late’, highlighting its much-appreciated extended flowering period. Consequently, it brings beauty and life to the garden when many other plants begin to fade.

Key Features

• Produces highly fragrant, two-toned flowers from summer into autumn.
• Attractive reddish-purple buds open to reveal creamy-yellow inner petals.
• Develops bright red berries, offering winter interest and wildlife food.
• A vigorous, twining climber, ideal for vertical garden structures.
• Deciduous foliage provides seasonal change.
• Attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

Unveiling Lonicera periclymenum ‘Serotina’

Lonicera periclymenum ‘Serotina’ is a true garden classic. It is a robust, deciduous, twining climber. It thrives across many UK garden settings. The plant offers an enchanting display, particularly during its extended flowering season. Its botanical name, Lonicera periclymenum, honours Adam Lonicer, a German botanist. The ‘periclymenum’ part comes from Greek. It means “around-clasping,” aptly describing its climbing habit. ‘Serotina’, as mentioned, refers to its late flowering. This makes it a cherished late-season performer.

Foliage and Floral Display

The foliage of this honeysuckle presents as simple, oval-shaped green leaves. These provide a fresh backdrop to the stunning blooms. From July, and often continuing into October, the plant is adorned with flowers. Initially, these appear as deep reddish-purple buds. They then open to reveal trumpet-shaped flowers. The outside is a rich purplish-red. Meanwhile, the inside petals are a creamy-yellow. These striking colour contrasts create a truly beautiful sight. Moreover, the flowers release a powerful, sweet perfume. This fragrance is especially strong in the evening. As the flowers fade, bright red berries appear. These berries add another layer of visual interest.

Ideal Garden Uses

This versatile climber is perfect for a range of garden applications. You can train Lonicera periclymenum ‘Serotina’ to cover walls, fences, or pergolas. It also looks wonderful adorning arbours. Allowing it to scramble through existing large shrubs or trees creates a natural, informal look. Its dense growth provides excellent screening. The plant also offers a fantastic vertical accent. Furthermore, it brings delightful scents to seating areas. Therefore, consider planting it near a patio or path.

Attracting Wildlife

Lonicera periclymenum ‘Serotina’ acts as a magnet for local wildlife. Its nectar-rich flowers are a favourite source of food for bees and butterflies. The vibrant red berries that follow are highly appealing to birds. This makes the honeysuckle an invaluable addition. It helps support biodiversity in your garden. Gardeners often choose this plant to create a living, dynamic ecosystem. It is a genuine asset for wildlife enthusiasts.

Maintaining Your Honeysuckle

This honeysuckle generally requires minimal care. It benefits from light pruning to maintain its shape. You can do this after flowering or in late winter. Simply remove any dead or weak stems. Thin out overly congested growth. This simple practice encourages healthy new growth and better flowering.