Prefers a sunny to semi-shaded Position not full sun exposure. In full shade the plant tends to become leafless and it may also become susceptible to mildew. Fresh to moist, nutrient rich and even heavy, clayey garden soils with some humus. The roots need to be protected from changes in temperatures and from drying out, hence the root area should be shaded, for example with a large rock. Locations with high humidity (eg along coastlines and inland waters), high groundwater level (water meadows; riverine floodplains) and protection from wind promote growth. Lack of water in a hot position leads without fail to heavy louse infestations.

Twiner, moderate growth habit, light to medium stem formation. New shoots appear early, foliage from April to October; the "Evergreen or Henry's Honeysuckle" is described separately. Some Lonicera species grow like shrubs.

Commercially available are usually the species and hybrids with abundant, long-lasting blossoms; the native species being less in demand. Flower clusters depending on species either white, creme, yellow to orange, pink and red. Black, red or orange - mostly slightly poisonous - berries follow later on; bird food in autumn. Some species exude a heavy perfume in the evening and morning.

Rods or wire ropes with horizontal support ropes to prevent collapsing, horizontal rods or similar.. fence mesh, pergolas, arbours etc.. For suitable support systems refer below.  Light and  Medium Support Systems but better Heavy Duty Support Systems.

Cutting back into the old wood to approx. 0.5 m height, before the young shoots appear, is necessary for at least some selected stems to prevent the plant from becoming bare. A summer cut into green shoots is unproblematic and encourages branching.

(European or Common Honeysuckle; Woodbine)

This is the only truly native or wild honeysuckle, which can be found eg in Jutland or in the coastal forests along the Baltic Sea. Commercially available are almost without exception the more abundant, more striking and long flowering cultivars of the indigenous honeysuckle, usually with lush dark green foliage, such as "Serotina", "Belgica" and "Thomas Graham." Flowering time from June to September, after this initial main flowering, plants may flower again in batches.

In comparison with the very similar cultivars of L. x heckrottii, the indigenous L. periclymenum grows more vigorously, is a stronger twiner and can be trained to greater heights. Lovely fragrance!

(Pink Lemonade Honeysuckle)

Very fragrant hybrids with abundant, extremely long-lasting and magnificent flower display from June to October, if given optimal care. These plants tend to twine and grow slightly less vigorously than those of Lonicera periclymenum, and the foliage is of a slightly lighter colour. They develop into a more shrubby form. Well known hybrids are "Gold Flame" and "American Beauty."

(Japanese honeysuckle)

This is a very old, robust garden plant from Asia with several hybrids such as "Halls Prolific;" "Halliana" is possibly even the original species. Vigorous growth to 10m height, long flowering from June to September (October), heavy fragrance, and foliage often continues to be green in winter.

(Brown's honeysuckle)

A group of smaller, but strikingly red flowering hybrids, long flowering period from May to August with optimal care. L. x brownii can be regarded at least as semi-evergreen (foliage until November / December). These honeysuckles are appreciated for their exceptional flower colours and are ideal for low espaliers or trellises due to their weaker growth habit. Well known are "Dropmore Scarlett" (more vigorous growth) and "Fuchsioides" (weaker growth, shorter flowering period). A nutrient rich soil is essential. No fragrance!

(Redgold honeysuckle)

A particularly strong and tall growing, large-leaved hybrid from Hungary. Abundant and intense blooming, however only during a very short time from May until the end of June. Ornamental dark leaves, at times with a purple tinge. Also suitable for shade. No fragrance!