Description
Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica Select' trained 70 cm C2 | Woodbine
Standard Woodbine brings the familiar character of Woodbine into a distinctive raised garden form. Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica Select' is the standard-trained form of this cultivar, also known as Honeysuckle. Normally a twining climber, it is presented with its growth raised above the ground, giving it an elevated presence and a clear vertical outline. This makes it a strong focal point rather than an ordinary unsupported climber. The fragrant flowers are pink and cream-yellow, creating an attractive display during the flowering season. Its leaves are green and deciduous, so the plant is not evergreen and loses its foliage in winter. With suitable support and enough space, this climber can reach approximately 4 metres in height. It offers strong garden value when given the right conditions for its twining growth. The plant is also fruiting, although no specific fruit colour is provided. As a member of the lonicera genus, it combines the natural growth of a climbing plant with the more structured appearance of a standard-trained specimen.
Key features of Woodbine (Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica Select')
- Raised climbing form: The standard-trained structure presents the twining climber as an elevated ornamental feature. It creates height and a clear vertical silhouette, while still needing suitable climbing support for its growth.
- Flowers and fragrance: This Woodbine produces a prominent, richly flowering display. The fragrant pink and cream-yellow flowers appear from May to July, bringing a long summer flowering period to the garden.
- Green deciduous foliage: The plant has green foliage and is deciduous. Its leaves disappear in winter, so this is not an evergreen Honeysuckle.
- Aspect and soil: Choose full sun or partial shade. It suits all soil types when the soil is humus-rich, well drained and lightly moist. Good drainage is important, and persistently waterlogged conditions should be avoided.
- Growth and garden value: Woodbine can grow vigorously and needs adequate space together with a suitable support. It is attractive to butterflies and fits naturally among flowering climbing plants in a UK garden.
Uses of standard Woodbine in the garden
- Pot or border feature: Use standard Woodbine in a pot or border where its raised structure can be seen clearly. The elevated form adds height and gives the plant a more organised presence than a conventional freely climbing plant.
- Support beside garden structures: It can be placed beside a pergola, fence or trellis, provided suitable climbing support is available. This allows the twining growth to develop while the standard-trained structure remains an important part of the display.
- Vertical planting: The plant works well as a vertical feature in UK gardens. It brings the natural character of a climber into a more structured presentation, helping to add height without relying only on low border planting.
- Hardiness: This Woodbine is hardy to approximately -28.9°C to -23.3°C, corresponding to USDA zone 5. It is deciduous, so its foliage disappears in winter before returning as the growing season begins.
- Plant combinations: Combine it with compatible border plants that appreciate full sun or partial shade and do not compete excessively for space or support. Other climbers can be used only where there is enough growing space and suitable support.
The main ornamental value comes from the combination of fragrant pink and cream-yellow flowers, green foliage and the raised standard-trained structure. It adds height, fragrance and a distinctive vertical focal point while retaining the natural movement of a twining climber. This standard Woodbine suits gardeners looking for summer flowers, lasting fragrance and a clearly defined vertical feature in a pot, border or beside a garden support.
