Lonicera periclymenum ‘Belgica’

We’ve cherished Lonicera periclymenum ‘Belgica’, often known as Early Dutch Honeysuckle or Woodbine, in our nursery for its exceptional qualities. This vigorous, twining deciduous climber truly stands out with its abundant clusters of tubular flowers that emerge from deep pink buds, opening to reveal creamy-white centres before maturing to a rich yellow, all beautifully streaked with raspberry-red on the outside. What makes ‘Belgica’ particularly compelling is its early and extended flowering season, gracing the garden from late spring right through to late summer, often with a second flush of blooms. The intoxicating, sweet fragrance is a delight, becoming most potent as evening draws in – a real treat for the senses.

To ensure this honeysuckle thrives, we advise planting it in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade; while it tolerates some shade, a sunnier position encourages the most prolific flowering. It’s quite adaptable to various soil types, including clay, but truly flourishes in moderately fertile, moist, and well-drained soil. We always recommend ensuring good drainage, as it dislikes being waterlogged, and keeping the roots cool by planting the base in a slightly shadier spot or applying a good mulch. Once established, it shows good drought tolerance and is fully hardy across the UK.

Pruning is straightforward with ‘Belgica’. As it flowers on the previous year’s growth, we suggest a light trim after its main flowering period in late summer to maintain its shape and encourage new flowering wood for the following year. You can remove any dead or crossing stems and cut back flowered shoots by about a third to keep it tidy. Every few years, if it becomes overly congested, a more significant renovation prune can be carried out in late winter, cutting stems back to around 60cm from the ground. This honeysuckle is a fantastic choice for supporting a diverse wildlife garden, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to its nectar-rich flowers, which are often followed by decorative bright red berries that birds adore in autumn. It pairs wonderfully with climbing roses or clematis, creating a layered tapestry of colour and scent.