Description
Lonicera japonicus 'Red World' Staked | Japanese honeysuckle
Standard Japanese honeysuckle is Lonicera japonica 'Red World', also known locally as Japanese honeysuckle or honeysuckle. This climbing plant is supplied in standard form, with its climbing and spreading growth trained above a clear stem. The result is an elevated, structured silhouette that looks very different from an ordinary untrained climbing plant growing directly from the ground. Its green foliage is evergreen, so the raised crown continues to provide leafy interest beyond the flowering season. From June to October, it produces scented red and white flowers over a long flowering period. The flowers bring colour and fragrance to the garden, while the standard form gives them a more visible position. The growth can be strong, so this plant needs suitable climbing support as it develops. A trellis or pergola allows the stems to climb and spread in a controlled garden setting. It is best placed in a sheltered position, especially where severe frost may be a concern. The plant also produces berries, but these are not edible. As a member of the lonicera genus, this standard climbing honeysuckle combines the familiar growth and scent of honeysuckle with the added height and structure of a clear stem.
Key features of Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica 'Red World')
- Flowers: The flowering is prominent and floriferous. Scented red and white flowers appear from June to October, giving the plant a long season of colour and fragrance.
- Foliage: The foliage is green and evergreen. This keeps the raised standard form leafy outside the flowering months and adds lasting structure to the garden.
- Position: Choose sun or partial shade. A sheltered position is preferable in a UK garden, as it can help protect the plant from harsh conditions and severe frost.
- Soil: It suits all soil types when the soil is humus-rich, well drained and slightly moist. Good drainage is important, so avoid persistently waterlogged ground. This plant can be used among evergreen climbing plants with similar soil and aspect needs.
- Growth and value: The climbing and spreading growth is trained as a standard, with the leafy and flowering growth carried above a stem. This creates a raised focal structure rather than a low, untrained climber. The plant can grow strongly and needs a climbing support. Its scented flowers are attractive to bees, while its berries are not edible.
Uses of standard Japanese honeysuckle in the garden
- Pergolas and trellises: Use this standard climbing honeysuckle with a pergola or trellis where suitable support can be provided. The raised stem places the scented evergreen growth higher in the display and gives the structure a clear vertical focus.
- Fences and garden boundaries: It can be used as a climbing plant beside a fence or other garden boundary. Unlike an ordinary untrained honeysuckle, the standard form starts with an elevated crown, making the flowers and foliage more noticeable.
- Pots and patios: Japanese honeysuckle can be grown in a pot where suitable climbing support is available. This makes the standard form useful for a sheltered patio or another contained garden setting, while still allowing the plant to climb and spread.
- Hardiness: This plant is rated as hardy to USDA zone 6, with a supplied range of approximately -23.3 to -17.8°C. Severe frost can still be a concern, so a sheltered position is preferable in the UK.
- Plant combinations: Combine it with ornamental plants that enjoy sun or partial shade and similar well-drained, slightly moist soil. It can work with other climbing plants, evergreen structure plants and flowering garden plants when their site needs are compatible.
The main ornamental value comes from the raised standard form, evergreen green foliage, scented red and white flowers and long flowering period. This standard form is especially useful where an evergreen, scented climber is wanted with added height and structure.
