We saw Lonicera periclymenum last year, and it’s blooming again, so we can take another look. This is what Shakespeare meant by “honeysuckle,” and unlike the closely related Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), this one is a polite guest that doesn’t take over whole counties.
Lonicera periclymenum is the honeysuckle Shakespeare knew and celebrated. A number of cultivars with flowers in different color combinations have been bred; this one is called “Peaches and Cream.” Unlike Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), it does not take over whole counties, so it is a responsible garden flower in our area.
