6 days ago
Honeysuckle was used to ward off disease and evil spirits in Scotland
Like another favourite, the rowan tree, honeysuckle was endowed with special powers.
In many parts of Scotland, people used both of these plants in making boughs and wreaths that were hung up in byres to ward off disease and evil spirits.
It's even been reported that once a year, a worthy fellow from the Outer Hebrides swam out to an island in a nearby loch for special honeysuckle stems.
Of the different types of Lonicera, I'm looking here at climbers.
Many of these honeysuckles have been developed from our native species, Lonicera periclymenum.
This fragrant wild species can be found in woodland, scrub and hedgerows throughout Britain, especially in fairly free-draining ground.
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For centuries gardeners have been developing cultivars from this genus.
As well as new forms of our native L. periclymenum, new species have been introduced from southern Europe, Asia, and North America.
There's a wide selection online for us now and most garden centres should carry quite a few including deciduous L. japonicum 'Hall's Prolific'.
Its white flowers offer the compelling fragrance we all want.
If you're after an evergreen, you might prefer L. japonica 'Halliana' with equally scented white flowers.
As a general rule, white and yellow flowers are reliably scented, and this includes L. japonica 'Dart's World'.
The tubular flowers of this climbing vine have pink outers encompassing a creamy yellow throat.
As the flowers mature they turn to peach and yellow.
On the other hand, if you'd prefer the fiery display offered by L. x brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet' or the copper orange blooms of Lonicera 'Mandarin' you'll be chapping if you're after a fragrant bush.
So with new cultivars regularly appearing, check the label before buying.
If 'scented' or 'fragrant' is missing from a description, move on to the next plant.
As far as I'm concerned, Lonicera's gorgeous scent permeating the evening air is what the plant's about and the garden's wildlife backs me up.
Moths are drawn to fragrant plants, especially pale-coloured ones, as are the many small insects that are an indispensable staple to foraging bats.
I've counted over 100 bats emerging from a colony in the roof and scented honeysuckles are one of their pit stops.
Plant of the week
Marvel of 4 Seasons (Image: PA) Lettuce Marvel of 4 Seasons is an old variety, dating to at least the 1880s, and is still one of the best lettuces to grow.
With red outer leaves and a pale green heart, you can have a multi-coloured salad from a single plant.
Sow seed from early spring to late summer for a succession of tasty salads.
