Lonicera | Honeysuckle

Lonicera

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The climbing plants of lonicera are well-known to most as honeysuckle, but the Latin name is actually in honour of Renaissance botanist Adam Lonicer, who first codified the genus. There are some 180 different species of lonicera, most of which are from China – there are only 20 or so species native to Europe and North America. Some of the most popular varieties of the genus among UK garderners include Lonicera japonica Halliana, or Japanese Honeysuckle, Lonicera Copper Beauty, with its gorgeous orange-yellow flowers, and the late-flowering Lonicera periclymenum Serotina. Honeysuckle varieties are vigorous climbing plants which swiftly cover trellises or arches. They work together well with climbing roses and are also a good choice for training up trees or over stumps. For best results, the roots of lonicera plants should be planted in the shade, with access for the flowers to develop into sunshine.