Lonicera, Honeysuckle, Late Dutch Honeysuckle, Woodbine 'Belgica'

The common name for 'Belgica' is Dutch honeysuckle. 'Serotina' is commonly called late Dutch honeysuckle, because of its later flowering....Read More Both have purplish tints on the flower buds and exteriors.

In the Eastern US, where Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is prohibitively invasive, L. periclymenum is the best twining honeysuckle for fragrance. The fragrance is sweet and not heavy, strongest in the evening.

This species isn't aggressive in the garden, nor does it invade natural areas here (Boston Z6a).

Flowers occur in clusters at the ends of stems. To prolong bloom, I try to deadhead each cluster as it fades, before the fruit develops. When I do this, it goes through several flushes of bloom over the season. Otherwise, fruiting will bring blooming to a halt. The fruit is scarlet and highly ornamental, and I stop deadheading in September to allow a final crop to develop.

Bloom is best in full sun, but flowering can be good in light/dappled shade as well. In full sun the foliage is also less prone to powdery mildew.

Because it twines around its support, this plant shouldn't be allowed to climb into shrubs and trees, as it can strangle whatever its stem wraps itself around. It's better to plant it where it can climb on a fence or trellis or cable or invisible netting.

Flowering occurs on new wood. Best pruned in early spring to remove dead wood as necessary.

Dirr says this is hardy Z4-8.

Very robust plant with no disease or insect problems. Takes no special care, although it does better in full sun than part shade. It is...Read More the most fragrant plant in my garden, the sweet scent literally turns your head in the early evening, and is equally wonderful in the early morning.