Honeysuckle 'Goldflame' (Lonicera) - fragrant climber - 11 cm pot - Height 40 cm - Pack of 2

Yes, the Goldflame honeysuckle (Lonicera heckrottii 'Goldflame') is one of the most fragrant climbing honeysuckles in the garden. Its sweet, delicate fragrance is most noticeable in the late afternoon and on warm days, when the heat concentrates the volatile oils. It is particularly pleasant near a patio, an open window, or an entrance. The two-tone pink and yellow tubular flowers are both decorative and highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and sphinx moths.

The Goldflame honeysuckle (Lonicera heckrottii 'Goldflame') is a fast-growing climber that can reach 2 to 3 meters in height in just a few seasons, depending on soil quality and exposure. In full sun and well-drained soil, it can quickly cover a 2-meter trellis or fence by the second or third year. It does not climb on its own like ivy but twines around supports: provide a trellis, taut cable, or pergola to guide it from the time of planting. Regular pruning after flowering helps control its growth if necessary.

The flowering of the Goldflame honeysuckle (Lonicera heckrottii 'Goldflame') generally begins in late spring, around May, and continues until early autumn, sometimes into October in milder regions. It has one of the longest flowering periods among cultivated climbing honeysuckles in gardens. The flowers appear in successive waves throughout the summer, giving it an exceptionally long-lasting ornamental presence. Heat and direct sunlight promote more abundant and prolonged flowering.

The Goldflame honeysuckle (Lonicera heckrottii 'Goldflame') adapts to a wide variety of soils, provided they are well-drained and do not become waterlogged in winter. It prefers light to moderately heavy soils, neutral to slightly alkaline or slightly acidic. Soil that is too compact or waterlogged is its main constraint, as the roots may rot. For planting in a border or at the foot of a wall, improve drainage if necessary by incorporating coarse sand and mature compost. In a pot, use a well-draining multipurpose potting mix with a layer of clay pebbles at the bottom.

Yes, the Goldflame honeysuckle (Lonicera heckrottii 'Goldflame') is a fully hardy plant that withstands frost throughout metropolitan France, including regions with harsh winters. It tolerates well below freezing temperatures without lasting damage. Its semi-evergreen foliage may partially drop or fade during the coldest winters, but the plant grows back vigorously in spring. No special winter protection is needed when planted in the ground. In a pot, a light mulch at the base and a location sheltered from cold winds are sufficient to ensure it overwinter well.

The Goldflame honeysuckle (Lonicera heckrottii 'Goldflame') is a twining climber that naturally wraps around supports, but it needs initial help to get started. Install a trellis, taut cable, wide-mesh wire fence, or pergola before or just after planting. Guide the first stems toward the support as soon as possible, lightly tying them with raffia or soft ties. After that, the plant will attach itself by twining. Avoid smooth, vertical surfaces without any texture, on which it cannot attach without help.

The Goldflame honeysuckle (Lonicera heckrottii 'Goldflame') is a particularly nectar-rich plant that benefits garden biodiversity. Its fragrant tubular flowers attract many pollinators, including bees, bumblebees, and butterflies, especially the sphinx moth, which is perfectly suited to the flower's shape. Its long flowering period, from May to October, makes it a valuable source of nectar throughout the warm season. Planting a Goldflame honeysuckle not only beautifies the garden but also actively helps maintain local pollinator populations.