Graham Thomas Honeysuckle: Year-Round Beauty or Seasonal Charm?

Graham Thomas Honeysuckle: Year-Round Beauty or Seasonal Charm?

Graham Thomas Honeysuckle, known for its vibrant yellow flowers and sweet fragrance, is a popular choice for gardeners seeking a stunning addition to their landscape. But is this plant truly a year-round beauty, or does its charm fade with the changing seasons?

Some argue that Graham Thomas Honeysuckle's blooms only last for a short period, making it more of a seasonal delight. Others believe its evergreen foliage and attractive berries provide interest throughout the year. Watch the video below to learn more about the debate:

Graham Thomas Honeysuckle: Evergreen or Deciduous

Graham Thomas Honeysuckle: Evergreen or Deciduous

Graham Thomas Honeysuckle, also known as Lonicera periclymenum 'Graham Thomas', is a popular climbing plant prized for its fragrant blooms and attractive foliage. One common question that gardeners often ask is whether this beautiful plant is evergreen or deciduous.

Characteristics of Graham Thomas Honeysuckle

Graham Thomas Honeysuckle is a vigorous climbing plant that can reach heights of up to 20 feet. It features dark green leaves that are ovate in shape and grow in opposite pairs along the stem. The plant produces clusters of tubular, sweetly scented flowers that are typically cream or yellow in color. The blooms appear from late spring to early summer and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Evergreen vs. Deciduous

One of the defining characteristics of Graham Thomas Honeysuckle is that it is deciduous. This means that the plant sheds its leaves annually in response to changes in light and temperature. In the case of this particular honeysuckle variety, the leaves turn yellow and drop off in the fall, leaving the plant bare during the winter months.

Care and Maintenance

Despite being deciduous, Graham Thomas Honeysuckle is relatively low maintenance and easy to care for. It prefers a sunny or partially shaded location with well-draining soil. Regular pruning is recommended to control the plant's growth and shape, as well as to remove any dead or damaged branches. The plant can benefit from a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Propagation and Uses

Graham Thomas Honeysuckle can be propagated from cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The plant is commonly used as a climber to cover walls, fences, or trellises, adding a touch of elegance to any garden. It can also be grown in containers on patios or balconies, provided it has adequate support for its climbing habit.

Benefits of Graham Thomas Honeysuckle

Aside from its beautiful flowers and foliage, Graham Thomas Honeysuckle offers several benefits to the garden. The plant is highly attractive to pollinators, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. The sweet fragrance of the flowers can also perfume the air, creating a pleasant and inviting atmosphere in outdoor spaces.

In Conclusion

Graham Thomas Honeysuckle is a deciduous climbing plant that adds beauty and fragrance to any garden. While it may lose its leaves in the winter, the plant's stunning blooms and easy care requirements make it a popular choice for both experienced and novice gardeners. Whether trained to climb a wall or grown in a container, this honeysuckle variety is sure to delight with its charm and versatility.

Graham Thomas Honeysuckle: Year-Round Beauty or Seasonal Charm?