Lonicera similis var. delavayi

Lonicera similis var. delavayi, also known as Delavay honeysuckle, combines multiple qualities. This climbing botanical species grows vigorously, retains its foliage in winter, and produces a massive flowering in summer, with cream and white colours and a remarkably fragrant scent in the evening. Very hardy and undemanding, it is a true force of nature that will conquer a fence or hedge and transform it within three years.

Lonicera similis var. delavayi belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family, like all honeysuckles. It was discovered in China before 1896, when it was introduced to France by the Vilmorin company. This climber produces very long stems, which lignify rapidly, measuring up to 5 m (16ft) in length, so it can reach over 4.50 m (15ft) in height with an equivalent spread. Its growth is rapid and vigorous. The stems are covered with long evergreen leaves measuring 4 to 8 cm (2 to 3in) in length, with an ovate lanceolate shape and dark green colour, arranged alternately. Flowering usually begins in late June or early July, and is remarkably abundant. Depending on the region and climate, it can continue until September. This flowering takes the form of tubular flowers measuring 3 cm (1in) in length, quickly transitioning from light yellow to white. In the late afternoon, they diffuse a powerful and pleasant fragrance for gardeners, as well as bees and even some night butterflies that gather there at dusk. They have two large coloured lips and expose the stamens. After pollination by pollinating insects, small berries form and turn blue-black in autumn. Toxic to humans, they are a delight for certain birds.

Lonicera similis var. delavayi is ideal as a wall cover to quickly dress up a fence, pole, tree, old conifer hedge, or even an unsightly structure. You can plant spring bulbs or cyclamen at its base, for example. To accompany it, choose another vigorous climbing plant with a staggered flowering period:  Clematis montana Mayleen,  Campsis capreolata, or even a the climbing rose Seagull, for example.