Lonicera japonica ‘Mint Crisp’

Lonicera japonica ‘Mint Crisp’ is a vigorous, semi-evergreen climbing honeysuckle celebrated for its distinctive and attractive foliage. The leaves are beautifully marbled with shades of green, cream, and white, providing year-round interest and a crisp, fresh look in the garden. Beyond its stunning leaves, this cultivar produces a profusion of highly fragrant flowers that mature from white to creamy yellow, filling the air with a sweet, classic honeysuckle scent. We’ve found it to be a robust and reliable performer, bringing continuous beauty and a wonderful aroma to the nursery.

For best results, we recommend planting ‘Mint Crisp’ in a position that receives full sun to partial shade, where its variegated foliage will truly shine. It thrives in fertile, humus-rich soil that is consistently moist but well-drained, as it dislikes waterlogging. This hardy climber is well-suited to most parts of the UK, being resilient to typical winter conditions. As a twining climber, it will need a sturdy support such as a trellis, pergola, or wires on a wall to help it establish and reach its full potential.

Pruning is best carried out after flowering to maintain a tidy shape and encourage fresh growth. This vigorous honeysuckle is perfect for covering unsightly walls or fences, adding vertical interest, or creating a fragrant archway. Its vibrant foliage also makes it an excellent choice for brightening up shadier spots. The flowers are a magnet for pollinators, attracting bees and hummingbirds, while deer and rabbits tend to leave it alone, making it a valuable addition to many garden designs.