Lonicera implexa (16/11/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, well drained
Flowering period: Summer
Eventual Height: 3m
Eventual Spread: 3m
Hardiness: 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Lonicera implexa is a semi evergreen shrubby climber with a twining habit. Its dark green leaves are obtuse with entire margins, up to 6cm long and 3cm broad. Its white/ yellow to pale pink fragrant flowers are long and tubular. These are followed by ovoid orange/ red, mildly poisons berries, these are up to 8mm long.
Lonicera implexa Flower (16/11/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Lonicera implexa, commonly known as the Mediterranean Honeysuckle or Minorca Honeysuckle, is native to south Europe. In its native habitat it grows in open woodland and thickets.
The etymological root of the binomial name Lonicera was named after Adam Lonitzer, a 16th century German botanist and author. Implexa is from the Latin meaning ‘entwined’.
The Landscape architect may find Lonicera implexa useful as a fragrant climber which is attractive to wildlife and tolerant to light shade. Once established his climber is drought tolerant.
Ecologically, Lonicera implexa flowers are attractive pollinating insects, including butterflies and honey bees. The larvae or some species of Lepidoptera will feed on its leaves. Its berries are attractive to some birds.
Lonicera implexa Leaf (16/11/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Lonicera implexa prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Lonicera implexa requires little to no maintenance. If necessary it may be pruned in late winter to spring.