Lonicera xylosteum

Lonicera xylosteum, known as the European fly honeysuckle or Fly woodbine, is part of our wild flora. It is a vigorous and bushy deciduous shrub that does not climb, but forms a beautiful mass of green-grey downy foliage from spring to autumn. It blooms with white to pale yellow flowers in late spring and then produces small red and translucent fruits, which are decorative and appreciated by birds. This hardy and carefree plant should appeal to enthusiasts of naturalistic gardens and country hedges, and especially to owners of small gardens who will keep it pruned to less than 2m (6 ft 7 in) in height.

Lonicera xylosteum is a deciduous shrub of the Caprifoliaceae family originating from Europe, the Caucasus, and Siberia. In nature, it is found in woods, hedges, and scrubland, often on limestone soil. It has naturally bushy and somewhat scruffy growth, with a dense and bushy habit. The growth, slow in young plants, accelerates later on. It will reach an average height of 2.50m (8 ft 2 in) with a spread of 1.75m (5 ft 8 in) to 2m. Its flexible branches, initially upright, then slightly drooping at their tips, bear ovate leaves, 3-6cm (1.2-2.4 in) long and 2-4cm (0.8-1.6 in) wide, which are slightly pointed at their ends. They are grey-green on top and covered with a fine down, then they turn yellow in autumn before falling.  From May to June, numerous small flowers appear along the branches in the axils of the leaves, which are white to cream-yellow. These slightly fragrant and nectar-rich flowers are followed in summer by clusters of small red and translucent fruits, which stand out against the fairly dark foliage. This shrubby honeysuckle also has a beautiful greyish bark that peels with age.

Plant Lonicera xylosteum in any soil, even limestone, but preferably moist soil. This shrub will thrive in partial shade or full sun, but the flowering will be more abundant in full sun. Pruning is not necessary, but can be carried out after flowering, and will not harm the plant's health but improve its density. It will find a home in all gardens, including small ones, or in a formal or informal hedge. It also works wonders in low maintenance shrub borders mixed with other shrubby honeysuckles (Lonicera tatarica Arnold's Red), Weigelas or Dipelta, Japanese quinces (Chaenomeles x superba), Deutzia, Enkianthus Campanulatus, Exochorda racemosa, Forsythias or Kolkwitzia. Birds are fond of its berries and find refuge in its branches in spring and summer.