Common honeysuckle (woodbine) Lonicera periclymenum
Common honeysuckle (woodbine) (Lonicera periclymenum) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Caprifoliaceae family, native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia (a British native). It grows 3–6 m (10–20 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -29 °C (-20 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Common honeysuckle (woodbine) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Mature height | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -29 °C (-20 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Europe, North Africa and western Asia (a British native) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇴 Norway |
Is Common honeysuckle (woodbine) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: berries
Berries are mildly toxic and can cause stomach upset; they are not listed as edible.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Common honeysuckle (woodbine)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Common honeysuckle (woodbine)
- How far apart should I plant Common honeysuckle (woodbine)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Common honeysuckle (woodbine) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Common honeysuckle (woodbine) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Common honeysuckle (woodbine)?
- It tolerates about -29 °C (-20 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Common honeysuckle (woodbine) flower?
- From about June for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Common honeysuckle (woodbine) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Berries are mildly toxic and can cause stomach upset; they are not listed as edible.
- What grows well with Common honeysuckle (woodbine)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Common honeysuckle (woodbine). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Semi-evergreen: modelled as deciduous but keeps some leaves in mild winters. Scent is strongest at night (hawkmoth pollinated). Mildew-prone in dry sites.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Corn salad (lamb's lettuce) Valerianella locusta
- Valerian Valeriana officinalis
- Haskap (honeyberry) Lonicera caerulea
- Red valerian Centranthus ruber
- Weigela Weigela florida
- Field scabious Knautia arvensis
- Twinflower Linnaea borealis
- Ominaeshi (golden lace, Patrinia) Patrinia scabiosifolia