Lonicera similis var. Delavayi is a cultivated variety of Chinese honeysuckle, selected for its vigorous growth, late-season flowering, and exceptional fragrance. Supplied in a 3-litre nursery container, this plant is well established and ready to thrive once planted into garden soil or a large outdoor pot. Being semi-evergreen, it retains much of its foliage throughout winter, providing ongoing structure, colour, and coverage.
The standout feature of ‘Delavayi’ is its flowers. From late summer, clusters of slender, tubular blooms appear along its twining stems. Flowers open creamy-white and gradually deepen to golden-yellow, creating a subtle bi-colour effect. These flowers release a strong, sweet perfume, especially potent in warm evenings, making it ideal near patios, seating areas, or garden walkways. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity.
The plant produces long, flexible stems that twine naturally around supports. It climbs fences, pergolas, trellises, and arches with ease, forming a dense leafy and floral screen. It can also scramble over shrubs or trail along banks, where its vibrant flowers provide contrast with other plants. Following flowering, small berries may appear, which are attractive to garden birds.
Lonicera similis var. Delavayi grows to approximately 4–5 metres in height with a spread of 1.5–2 metres when trained on supports. Supplied in a 3-litre container measuring around 18–20 cm in height and diameter, it establishes quickly once planted. Individual trumpet-shaped flowers measure approximately 4–6 cm long and are produced in clusters from August to September. The semi-evergreen foliage forms a dense cover ideal for fences, trellises, pergolas, and walls, providing a fragrant, leafy screen that adds both colour and structure to garden spaces.
