Lonicera periclymenum 'Inov205' CHIC & CHOC

Flowering honeysuckle is a popular climber in cottage gardens. These days some of them find their place in modern, urban landscapes. They are easy to grow and soon cover a large area with leaves and flowers - talking of the climbing ones. Though, this new honeysuckle from France named CHIC & CHOC is quite the opposite - dwarf and shrubby. It was bred by INRA, the National Agricultural Research Institute from Paris which is also the breeder of the famous Grand Bleu^® caryopteris and Black&White^® weigela.

CHIC & CHOC honeysuckle is a dwarf flowering shrub for almost any place in full sun. In June appear rich purple pink buds which open into soft golden yellow flowers with two lips, and soon turn almost white which greatly contrasts with various depths of purple and pink buds. And the perfume! Strong fruity sweet with a tiny hint of exotic spices, also loved by bees, bumblebees, and butterflies. Flowers open continuously from June until late August. Or if you prune it after the first strong flowering phase it will set new flowers for late August and September in almost the same strength.

Narrowly oval to elliptic leaves are mid green above, silvery on reverse, opposite, and deciduous. They are very resistant to common honeysuckle diseases. Flowers are followed by very attractive, slightly poisonous fruit. They are spherical, vivid red, and glossy. By pruning the plant after flowering you can avoid any danger. It grows slowly only some 50 cm tall and wide.

This honeysuckle needs no support. It is not picky about soil type but likes fertile and moist but well-drained, it hates boggy areas and acidic soil. Unless you prune it after flowering you can trim it in early spring but it is usually not necessary. Full sun only. Expected hardiness is about -27°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update 17-12-2018.