Lonicera x italica (Italian honeysuckle)

Botanical name

Lonicera x italica

Other names

Italian honeysuckle, Lonicera 'American', Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica', Lonicera caprifolium, Lonicera x americana

Genus

Lonicera Lonicera

Species

L. x italica - L. x italica is a vigorous, deciduous, twining climber with broadly elliptic, mid- to blue-green leaves and, in summer, terminal clusters of slender pink buds opening to fragrant, tubular, white flowers turning purple-flushed yellow with age.

Foliage

Deciduous

Fragrance

Flowers have a strong perfume.

Habit

Climbing

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Colour

Flower

Pale-purple, Yellow, White in Summer

Foliage

Green in Summer

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids , Thrips

Specific diseases

Powdery mildew

General care

Propagation methods

Hardwood cuttings, Layering, Semi-hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Lonicera x italica (Italian honeysuckle) will reach a height of 8m and a spread of 1.5m after 5-10 years.

Suggested uses

Coastal, Cottage/Informal, Wallside and trellises

Cultivation

Plant in full sun or partial shade in any moist but well-drained soil.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Lonicera x italica (Italian honeysuckle)

Common pest name

European cherry fruit fly

Scientific pest name

Rhagoletis cerasi

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Fruit fly pest of cherry and honeysuckle; widely distributed in Europe and also present in North America and Asia. No evidence of establishment in the UK to date despite repeated interceptions; but honeysuckle and cherry growers may wish to be aware and monitor for its presence.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/