Lonicera periclymenum ‘Graham Thomas’

Lonicera periclymenum ‘Graham Thomas’ is a magnificent, vigorous deciduous climber, justly awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit for its outstanding performance and irresistible charm. Discovered in a Warwickshire hedge in the 1960s, this cultivar quickly became a favourite, and it’s easy to see why. From early summer, it produces masses of large, tubular flowers that emerge white, gradually maturing to a rich, creamy yellow. The exquisite, sweet scent is particularly potent in the evenings, creating a truly magical atmosphere in the garden. We find it grows with impressive vigour, quickly establishing to cover a good space.

To ensure ‘Graham Thomas’ thrives, we recommend planting it in a spot where its roots are kept cool and moist, ideally in partial shade at the base, while its stems can reach for full sun for the best flowering display. It’s adaptable to most moderately fertile, moist, but well-drained soils, from mildly acidic to mildly alkaline. This honeysuckle is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures down to -20°C, making it a reliable choice for almost any garden.

Pruning is best carried out in mid to late summer after the main flush of flowers has faded, as it blooms on the previous year’s growth. We typically cut back flowered stems by about a third to maintain a good shape and encourage fresh growth, and it’s always wise to remove any dead or damaged wood. In autumn, the spent flowers are replaced by attractive red berries, providing a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife, adding another layer of interest to your garden as the seasons change.