Lonicera periclymenum Belgica Select

 The Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica Select' is an improvement of the woodbine 'Belgica'. It is a climbing plant with large growth and rapid growth that produces a profusion of tricoloured flowers, pleasantly fragrant. From July to September, this large climber is adorned with heads of fine, tubular flowers, first cream white then ochre yellow, striped with pink-red on the back of the petals that contrast with its charming glaucous foliage. The clusters of bright red berries appear quickly, accompanying its spectacular flowering. Hardy and resistant, it should be planted in sun or partial shade, in ordinary soil that is not too heavy, preferably moist.

The Lonicera periclymenum belongs to the family of caprifoliaceae. It is the woodbine widely found in Europe, especially central Europe and up to Sweden. It is also found in North Africa. In France, it grows spontaneously in hedges and woods, preferably on siliceous soils, rich in sand and humus. Present in almost all our regions, it is rare in the southeast of our country. In nature, it develops strong voluble stems of 3m (10ft) or more that spontaneously wrap around neighboring shrubs and trees. This woodbine has given rise to many cultivars with flowers of different colours.

The Lonicera 'Belgica Select' does not exceed 5m (16ft) in height and 3m (10ft) in width. Its robust stems bear shiny, wide, elliptical foliage, with a medium glaucous green, which persists more or less in winter. Its tubular flowers form at the end of the shoots of the year, gathered in generous, powerfully fragrant bouquets. Highly visited by pollinating insects, they are followed by the formation of very decorative bright red berries, highlighted by cream-coloured floral buds and yellow and white flowers that continue to bloom until September, in successive waves. The fruits are highly appreciated by birds. The leaves are arranged in pairs on vigorous woody stems. This non-invasive variety will adapt to a wide range of soils as long as they are properly drained. It tolerates sea spray and pollution well.

'Belgica Select' will be superb trained against a wall, on a trellis or fence, on an arch or pergola, preferably near the terrace, the entrance of the house or a patio door to make the most of its fragrance, particularly heady in the evening. It can also make a good ground cover in a wild corner of the garden or be grown in a container on a terrace or balcony. It pairs well with small, undemanding viticella group clematis that flower at the same time. Also let it climb on shrubs with simultaneous flowering (Buddleia, climbing or shrub roses, deciduous ceanothus) or staggered flowering (Japanese quince, Abeliophyllum, white spring spireas).