Description
Lonicera periclymenum 'Loly' trained 70 cm C2 | Woodbine
Standard Woodbine brings the familiar character of Woodbine into a raised and structured garden form. Lonicera periclymenum 'Loly' is supplied as a standard form, with its clear stem lifting the flowering, twining growth above ground level. This creates a vertical silhouette rather than the low, spreading appearance of an ordinary climber. The fragrant flowers are white and yellow and appear from June to August. Green, deciduous leaves provide seasonal foliage before falling later in the year. The plant can reach an approximate mature height of 300 cm. Its upper growth remains that of a climbing plant, so the standard form needs suitable support and enough room for its twining habit. In a UK garden, it suits a sheltered sunny or partially shaded position, including a smaller garden, patio or terrace. Well-drained soil is important, particularly in a mild and often wet climate. The plant is hardy and offers the flowering character of a Honeysuckle while using the raised form to create more structure at eye level. Fruit-bearing is recorded, but the plant is valued here for its flowers, foliage and garden form. As a member of the lonicera genus, it combines the charm of a climber with the clear shape of a standard form.
Key features of Woodbine (Lonicera periclymenum 'Loly') in standard form
- Fragrant summer flowering: The white and yellow flowers are highly noticeable, fragrant and richly produced. Flowering takes place from June to August, bringing colour and scent to the garden during summer.
- Raised climbing form: This standard form has a clear stem with twining flowering growth trained above ground level. It gives a vertical accent, while the upper growth still needs suitable climbing support.
- Position and soil: Grow in full sun or partial shade, preferably in a sheltered spot. It suits all soil types when the soil is well drained, humus-rich and slightly moist. Good drainage is important, so avoid persistently waterlogged ground.
- Hardy and wildlife-friendly: The plant is hardy to approximately -17.8°C to -23.3°C, corresponding to USDA zone 6. Its flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. With its green, deciduous leaves and climbing habit, it is a natural choice for a climbing plant collection.
Uses of standard Woodbine in the garden
- Patio and terrace feature: Standard Woodbine can be used as a patio or terrace plant, including in an appropriately sized container. The raised stem keeps the flowering growth above the ground and helps create a clear focal point in a smaller outdoor space.
- Specimen for smaller gardens: Used as a specimen, it adds height and structure without presenting the same ground-level form as an ordinary climber. Its mature height is approximately 300 cm, so allow room for the upper twining growth and provide suitable support.
- Near a pergola or support: The standard form can be positioned near a pergola or another suitable climbing support. This allows the flowering growth to retain its natural climbing character while the clear stem gives the plant a more organised, vertical outline.
- Hardy garden planting: It is hardy to approximately -17.8°C to -23.3°C, or USDA zone 6. A sunny or partially shaded position and well-drained, humus-rich soil suit the plant in UK gardens, including areas with a mild and often wet climate.
- Combining with other plants: Combine it with flowering perennials, ornamental grasses and other garden plants that tolerate sun or partial shade and the same well-drained, humus-rich soil. Keep the raised form visible so its vertical structure remains part of the planting design.
The main ornamental value comes from the fragrant, richly produced white and yellow flowers displayed on raised, twining growth. This standard form is especially useful where a fragrant flowering climber is wanted as an elevated focal point in a smaller garden, pot or patio setting.
