Lonicera caprifolium aka Honeysuckle

Lonicera caprifolium is a woody climber in the honeysuckle family. Its common names include Italian honeysuckle and perfoliate honeysuckle. Its native range spans central and southeastern Europe to the Caucasus. It grows in temperate regions, in hedges, scrub, and woods. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. In gardens, it forms a large, leafy climber with twining stems.

This vigorous plant loses its leaves for winter. Garden plants reach 13–26 feet [4–8 metres] in height. Their spread reaches about 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. They take five to ten years to reach full size. The oval leaves have a blue-green cast. The upper leaves are perfoliate: the stem appears to pass through them. This leaf shape helps distinguish the plant. Creamy white, scented flowers form clusters at the stem tips. Each flower can reach about two inches [5 centimetres] long. Orange-red berries follow the flowers and add another point of interest.

Partial shade suits this honeysuckle best, though it also tolerates full sun. Give it moist soil that drains well. It grows in clay, loam, sand, and chalk. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. The RHS rates its hardiness as H6. This covers winter lows of about −20 to −15°C. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 4–8. The RHS suggests coastal gardens and borders beside walls. Woodland edges and dappled shade also suit it, but not deep shade.

Its scent makes it useful near places where people spend time. Growers can raise new plants by layering or taking woody cuttings. Prune after flowering, following the RHS guidance for this climber. Aphids, thrips, and glasshouse whitefly may attack it. Possible diseases include powdery mildew, fungal leaf spot, and silver leaf. Honey fungus is another risk, though the RHS calls it rare. Plants For A Future does not flag it as weedy. Its flowers yield small amounts of oil for perfume.

The sources disagree on food use and safety. Plants For A Future records small fruit portions and flower tea. It also lists traditional medicinal uses for several plant parts. These include uses that induce vomiting or loosen the bowels. Such records do not establish safe home use or treatment benefits. The RHS warns that people and pets must not eat the fruit. It also advises gloves and protective gear when handling the plant. Treat the berries as ornamental rather than as food.