Lonicera periclymenum 'Graham Thomas'

About this cultivar:

Lonicera periclymenum ‘Graham Thomas’ is a beautifully scented honeysuckle, bearing clusters of pale yellow, tubular flowers from June to September, fading to cream as they age. This vigorous, deciduous climber brings a touch of fragrant elegance to any garden, whether scrambling through a tree, draping over a pergola, or winding along a fence. The rich fragrance intensifies in the evening, making it a perfect choice for seating areas or pathways. In autumn, red berries follow the blooms, attracting birds and wildlife. A classic and much-loved variety.

Named after Graham Stuart Thomas OBE VMH (1909–2003), an esteemed English horticulturist best known for his expertise in garden roses, his stewardship of over 100 National Trust gardens, and his authorship of 19 influential gardening books, many of which are still considered classics today.

The species of this selection, Lonicera periclymenum, is one of two native honeysuckles to Great Britain and Ireland, the other being Lonicera xylosteum. It is often found in woodland or in hedgerows.

The specific epithet is a possibly from:

- the Greek name for honeysuckle

or....

- is a reference to the argonaut Periklymenon, who ewas reputed to be able to change his shape

or....

- a Latin specific epithet periclymenum is derived from the Greek perikleia, meaning “I entwine” or “to entwine around”, reflecting the plant’s natural twining habit.

or....

“periclymenum” or “periklymenon” was a Greek name used by Dioscorides to describe a twining plant, likely a honeysuckle, possibly Lonicera etrusca.

• Position: Full sun, partial shade
• Soil: Almost any soil, grows well in Ballyrobert
• Flowers: June, July, August, September
• Other features: Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit (RHS AGM)
• Hardiness: Fully hardy, grows well in Ballyrobert
• Habit: Climbing
• Foliage: Deciduous
• Height: 360 - 540 cm (12 - 18 ft)
• Spread: 360 - 540 cm (12 - 18 ft)
• Time to full growth: 2 to 5 years
• Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
• Colour: Green, yellow
• Goes well with: -

About this genus:

Lonicera (Lon-es-er-a), named after the Renaissance botanist Adam Lonicer, are arching shrubs or twining vines in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae) - in fact the common name IS honeysuckle! Native to the Northern Hemisphere, there are approximately 180 species of honeysuckle, 100 of which occur in China while about 20 native species occur in Europe, India and, North America.

Lonicera prefers partial sun and grows in most soils that are not sitting in water, although it is a remarkably adaptable genus. Try combining Lonicera with buddleia and Monarda.