Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica'

Names

• Synonyms

  Early Dutch Honeysuckle, Woodbine

• Common names

  Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Honeysuckle may cause mild stomach upset if ingested by humans. Although not considered highly toxic, some species of honeysuckle contain saponic and cyanogenic glycosides which can cause mild to moderate symptoms upon ingestion. Symptoms of honeysuckle poisoning can include stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Ingesting large amounts can potentially lead to more severe symptoms, so it is advised to avoid consuming any part of the plant.

• To pets

  Honeysuckle can be harmful to pets if ingested. While not typically considered highly toxic, the plant does contain compounds like saponins and, in some species, cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause gastrointestinal upset in animals. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, more serious symptoms could develop. Pet owners should prevent their animals from eating any part of the honeysuckle plant.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Mixed

• Height

  6 feet (1.83 meters)

• Spread

  6 feet (1.83 meters)

• Plant type

  Climber

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Attracts Pollinators: The honeysuckle 'Belgica' produces sweetly-scented flowers that draw in bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects, aiding plant pollination in your garden.
• Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers and lush foliage, it adds visual interest and beauty to garden spaces.
• Fragrance: The plant emits a strong, pleasant fragrance that can enhance the sensory appeal of outdoor areas.
• Wildlife Friendly: It provides nectar for pollinators and can also offer shelter for various species of birds and small mammals.
• Versatility in Landscaping: The honeysuckle can be used in a variety of landscaping designs, including trellises, fences, and as ground cover.
• Shade Tolerance: It performs well in partial shade, making it suitable for planting under trees or on the shady side of buildings.
• Seasonal Interest: It provides year-round interest with flowers in late spring to early summer, and berries in the fall, which may also attract birds.

Medical Properties

• Anti-inflammatory: Lonicera periclymenum, commonly known as honeysuckle, may possess anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce inflammation.
• Antibacterial: This plant has traditionally been used for its antibacterial effects, which might help in fighting certain bacterial infections.
• Antiviral: Honeysuckle is thought to have antiviral capabilities and could be beneficial in combating viral infections.
• Antioxidant: The antioxidants present in honeysuckle might help in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body.
• Soothing agent: It has been used to soothe sore throats and respiratory conditions in traditional medicinal practices.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Floral arrangements - Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica', commonly known as honeysuckle, features highly fragrant blooms that add a sweet aroma and a touch of wild beauty to bouquets and floral displays.
• Garden architecture - Climbing varieties of honeysuckle, such as 'Belgica', can be trained over pergolas, trellises, and archways, providing an aesthetic feature and shade in garden design.
• Wildlife attraction - This plant is particularly attractive to pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, as well as birds, providing a haven for wildlife in the garden.
• Edible blooms - The flowers of some honeysuckle varieties are edible and can be used to decorate desserts or infuse syrups, although 'Belgica' should be researched specifically for edibility and safe use before consumption.
• Natural fencing - Honeysuckle can be used to create a living fence, offering a more natural alternative to wooden or metal fencing and providing privacy once established.
• Bonsai - With appropriate care, honeysuckle can be trained as a bonsai plant, offering a fragrant and flowering option for enthusiasts of the art.
• Photography - The picturesque flowers of honeysuckle make it a popular subject for garden and nature photographers, capturing the essence of spring and early summer.
• Nectar source for homemade beverages - The nectar from honeysuckle blooms can be harvested to sweeten homemade iced teas and lemonades.
• Art inspiration - Honeysuckle's twisting vines and vibrant flowers have inspired artists and can be used as subject matter in various forms of art such as painting and textile design.
• Dye production - Although not commonly known for this use, the natural pigments of honeysuckle flowers and berries can potentially be used to create plant-based dyes for fabrics or crafts.

Feng Shui

The Honeysuckle is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Honeysuckle is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Love and Devotion: The honeysuckle is often associated with feelings of affection and the everlasting bonds between loved ones, reflecting the plant's tendency to twine around structures.
• Generosity: With its abundant and sweet-smelling flowers, honeysuckle symbolizes the generosity of nature and the idea of giving without expecting anything in return.
• Protection: Honeysuckle can symbolize safety, as it often forms a dense thicket that can serve as a shelter for birds and small creatures.
• Nostalgia: The strong fragrance and the common presence of honeysuckle in many childhood areas can evoke a sense of nostalgia and fond memories of the past.
• Friendship: Because the honeysuckle plants can cling to various surfaces, they are sometimes seen as a symbol of the bonds of friendship and the support friends provide for each other.
• Happiness: The sweet scent and the lively colors of the flowers are believed to bring happiness and positivity to any environment, making it a symbol of joy.