Lonicera periclymenum 

'European Honeysuckle'

[Ex. Co. Durham, England]

Caprifoliaceae: a vigorous deciduous climber growing to 4.5m. Found in woodland, hedgerows or scrubland. The tubular, two-lipped flowers, are creamy white or yellowish and are very sweet smelling (especially during the night). The plant is usually pollinated by moths or long-tongued bees and develops bright red berries. Native to Europe, as far north as southern Norway, Sweden, and the Britain.

USES:

You can suck the base of the flowers to extract the sweet nectar, the flowers can also be made into wine. 

Medicinally used for its expectorant and laxative properties. A syrup made from the flowers has been used in the treatment of respiratory diseases whilst a decoction of the leaves is considered beneficial in treating diseases of the liver and spleen. It is used as a mouthwash for ulcers and is considered to be a good ingredient in gargles. The flowers are antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge and sudorific, the fruit is emetic and cathartic, the herbage is used as a cutaneous and mucous tonic and as a vulnerary.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Seed requires around two months of cold stratification, so best sown in the autumn or very early in the spring. Succeeds in most soils from acid to base-rich. Prefers its roots in the shade with its shoots climbing up into the sun. Plants will succeed even in quite deep shade. The flowers are very fragrant, especially in the evening when it attracts pollinating moths and butterflies. Honeysuckle is an important food for many caterpillars including the larvae of the rare white admiral butterfly.

HARVESTED: 2023

 
 APPROX. 30 SEEDS