Lonicera periclymenum

Germination

Sow indoors at any time. Sow into a cold frame in autumn. To sow indoors surface sow onto moist well-drained seed compost. Just cover seed with a sprinkling of soil. Ideal temp. 20°C for 3 months then cold stratify. Move to 4°C for 3 months. Then return to warmth. Keep repeating the cycle until germination occurs. Germination takes +6 months and can be erratic. Outdoors sow and place in a cold frame where natural winter cold should offer ideal conditions for the seed to germinate the following spring. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on. Acclimatise and plant out when danger of frost has passed.

Growing

Prefers any moist but well-drained soil. Will flower best with the top in full sun, although are less prone to aphid attack in partial shade. Add a mulch of organic matter to reduce water stress. Apply a general fertiliser in spring to promote growth and flowering. Will require a framework on which to climb, this could be a wall or another plant.

Cultivation

Deciduous. Pruning is not required unless the plant is outgrowing its allotted space. If required can be pruned in winter. Propagate by seed or layering.