Lonicera tragophylla 'Maurice Foster'

RHS Plant Profile
Chinese honeysuckle 'Maurice Foster'
Climber Wall Shrub

A very showy, large, deciduous, twining climber about 6m tall, with large dark green leaves, 12cm long, bronze-flushed when young. Long-tubed, 2-lipped yellow flowers 9cm long, in large terminal clusters are produced in early and midsummer, followed by red berries

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Lonicera can be deciduous and evergreen shrubs, or climbers with twining stems. The tubular or two-lipped flowers, often very fragrant, are followed by red or black berries
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

This climbing honeysuckle grow best in partial shade, and thrives in any fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Ideal for growing into a tree or for brightening up a shady corner. See honeysuckle (climbing) cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by layering, softwood cuttings, semi-ripe cuttings, leaf-bud cuttings and hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 11 after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to honeysuckle aphids, Thrips and glasshouse whitefly

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, fungal leaf spot, silver leaf and honey fungus (rarely)