Late Dutch Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum 'Serotina'
ABOUT
Lonicera periclymenum 'Serotina', commonly known as the late Dutch honeysuckle, is a climbing plant known for its striking appearance and fragrant flowers. This cultivar has a twining habit, which means it wraps itself around structures or support it's provided with, creating a dense and lush display of foliage and blooms. The leaves of the late Dutch honeysuckle are oval-shaped, coming to a pointed tip, with a rich green color that often has a slightly blueish tinge. These leaves are arranged opposite each other along the stems, creating a symmetrical pattern that is visually pleasing. The flowers of 'Serotina' are the main attraction. They are tubular in shape, starting out as deep purple to reddish-pink buds, which unfurl to reveal creamy white interiors. The two-toned effect is enchanting and adds depth to the plant's appearance. These blossoms are carried in clusters at the ends of the stems, and they exude a strong, sweet fragrance, especially in the evening. The bloom period spans from late spring and throughout the summer months, often extending into early fall. As the flowers mature, they give way to red berries that can provide additional interest after the flowering has ceased. These berries are attractive to wildlife, often attracting birds who feed on them. Overall, the late Dutch honeysuckle 'Serotina' has a romantic and slightly wild look, with its cascading green foliage and vibrant, fragrant blooms that twist and climb, creating a picturesque presence in any garden space where vertical interest is desired.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Caprifoliaceae
Synonyms
Late Dutch Honeysuckle, Woodbine, Serotina Honeysuckle
Common names
Lonicera periclymenum 'Serotina'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as Honeysuckle (specifically Lonicera periclymenum 'Serotina') generally has a low level of toxicity to humans. However, some parts of the plant, especially the berries, can be potentially poisonous when ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of Honeysuckle poisoning can include stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. It is important to avoid consuming any part of this plant to prevent the possibility of poisoning.
To pets
Honeysuckle can also be toxic to pets, potentially causing similar symptoms as in humans. If pets, such as dogs or cats, ingest parts of the plant, especially the berries, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is crucial to prevent pets from consuming any part of Honeysuckle to avoid the risk of poisoning. If you suspect your pet has ingested this plant, you should seek veterinary attention immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Cream
Height
6-15 feet (1.8-4.6 meters)
Spread
6-15 feet (1.8-4.6 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: Lonicera periclymenum 'Serotina', commonly known as late Dutch honeysuckle, provides nectar-rich flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its fragrant, colorful flowers that bloom in the summer, late Dutch honeysuckle can add visual interest and beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Privacy Screening: It can be used to create natural privacy screens, as it grows vigorously and can cover fences or walls.
- Shade and Cooling: When grown over pergolas or arbors, late Dutch honeysuckle provides shade, which can create cooler areas in gardens during hot summer months.
- Erosion Control: The plant's fast growth and dense foliage can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or banks.
- Habitat Creation: Late Dutch honeysuckle can serve as a habitat by offering shelter and nesting sites for birds.
- Fragrance: The flowers emit a strong and pleasant scent, especially in the evenings, enhancing the sensory experience of a garden.
- Versatility: Late Dutch honeysuckle can be grown in a variety of settings, from cottage gardens to wild gardens, and even in containers for those with limited space.
- Easy to Cultivate: This plant is relatively easy to grow and care for, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lonicera periclymenum 'Serotina', commonly known as late Dutch honeysuckle, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, with different parts of the plant yielding variations in color.
- As an addition to compost, the leaves and pruned stems of late Dutch honeysuckle can help to accelerate the decomposition process and enrich the compost with nutrients.
- The dense foliage provides nesting opportunities for birds, offering a safe and sheltered space for them to raise their young.
- Late Dutch honeysuckle can be trained to grow over unsightly structures, such as old fences or sheds, providing a natural camouflage and aesthetic improvement.
- The branches can be used in basketry and weaving crafts, lending a rustic feel to homemade items.
- During the winter months, the vine's structure can provide winter interest in the garden with its twining form and sometimes persistent berries.
- The sweet fragrance of the flowers is ideal for sensory gardens, where the emphasis is on stimulating the senses.
- The flowers of late Dutch honeysuckle can be used to add a decorative touch to salads, desserts, and cold drinks, though they should be consumed in moderation.
- Its robust growth can be used for educational purposes, such as teaching about plant climbing mechanisms and pollination strategies.
- Late Dutch honeysuckle vines can also provide a natural screen, creating privacy in gardens and outdoor living spaces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Honeysuckle is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Honeysuckle is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Devotion: Lonicera periclymenum, commonly known as late Dutch honeysuckle, often symbolizes devoted affection and the bonds of love, reflecting the plant's tendency to twine and cling to structures and plants around it.
- Happiness: The sweet fragrance and bright flowers of the late Dutch honeysuckle are known to represent joy and the happiness that comes from loving relationships.
- Generosity: As honeysuckle is abundant in its nectar and fragrance, it has become associated with the free giving of affection and the selfless offering of support to others.
- Protection: In folklore, it was believed that planting honeysuckle by your house could prevent a witch from entering, symbolizing safety and protection from evil.
- Bonds of Love: The climbing nature of honeysuckle and its ability to envelop structures is symbolic of unbreakable bonds and enduring connections in relationships.
WaterLate Dutch Honeysuckle should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per session to ensure adequate hydration for the plant's roots. During the hot summer months or in particularly dry conditions, you might need to water twice a week to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In cooler temperatures or rainy weather, reduce watering to every other week. Always check the soil moisture level a few inches down; if the soil is dry, it's time to water.
LightLate Dutch Honeysuckle thrives in full sun to partial shade, preferring to receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot would allow for sun exposure in the morning with some afternoon shade to protect from the intense heat, which encourages healthy bloom and growth.
TemperatureLate Dutch Honeysuckle can survive a range of temperatures, tolerating minimums down to about 14°F for brief periods. It prefers a temperate climate with the ideal temperature range being between 60°F and 80°F, which encourages optimal growth and flowering.
PruningPruning the Late Dutch Honeysuckle is essential for maintaining a desirable shape and encouraging new growth. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any damaged or tangled branches and shape as desired. This vine can also be pruned after flowering to keep it in check and to enhance the plant's overall appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Late Dutch Honeysuckle requires well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix with good loam, peat, or compost, and a drainage component like perlite or coarse sand is ideal for healthy growth.
RepottingThe Late Dutch Honeysuckle doesn't require frequent repotting and typically it should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and check root health.
Humidity & MistingLate Dutch Honeysuckle thrives in moderate humidity conditions; it doesn't require very high humidity but should not be too dry, aiming for a range of 40-60% for optimal health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil consistently moist.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to partial shade, ensure soil drains well.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleLonicera periclymenum 'Serotina', commonly known as Late Dutch Honeysuckle, begins its life as a seed that germinates in spring, requiring a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Upon germination, the seedling grows rapidly, developing into a twining vine that seeks out support structures or other plants to climb. As it matures, this perennial plant features oval leaves and produces fragrant, tubular flowers that are cream and purple-reddish in color, typically blooming in late summer to early autumn. After pollination by nocturnal moths attracted to its scent, the flowers develop into red to black berries, which are dispersed by birds, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout the year, the vine undergoes seasonal changes; it continues to grow and expand its reach during the growing season and becomes dormant in winter, withstanding the cold until the next cycle of growth in spring. Pruning is necessary after flowering to maintain plant health and promote vigorous growth for the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The Lonicera periclymenum 'Serotina', commonly known as the late Dutch honeysuckle, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. These cuttings are best taken in late summer, after the new growth has begun to mature and harden slightly. The most popular method involves selecting a healthy portion of the stem that has a few sets of leaves and cutting it at around 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a pot with well-draining soil, ensuring that at least two sets of nodes, where the leaves were removed, are buried. Adequate humidity is maintained, and the cutting is kept in indirect light until roots have established. After rooting, which typically takes a few weeks, the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions and eventually transplanted into the garden.
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