LONICERA

LONICERA

CAPRIFOLIACEAE

Honeysuckle is a varied genus, ranging from climbers to shrubs and trees, which can be either evergreen or deciduous. Flowers can be white, yellow, purple, pink or red and are often sweetly scented. Most also produce red, black or purple berries.

There are about 180 species, native to Europe, Asia and North and Central America, where they are found in woodland, hedgerows and scrubland.

Conditions required vary with the species, although most will grow well in sun or part shade. Generally, the climbing types prefer a humus-rich, but free-draining soil, while the shrubby varieties do better in a well-drained site.