Firecracker Honeysuckle

Firecracker Honeysuckle (Lonicera x heckrottii 'Firecracker') is a vigorous, sweetly scented climber that grows 2m to 5m tall and 1m to 2m wide, quickly covering a pergola, arbour or fence. Rings of two-tone flowers are strawberry pink in bud and open to creamy custard, from spring through summer. It is a generous plant for gardeners with room to let it run, and it is cold hardy.

Why you'll love it

• Sweet-scented flowers. Strawberry pink buds open to creamy flowers with a rich fragrance, and each flower has a tall fat petal above a slender smaller one.
• Flowers for months. The display runs from spring right through summer.
• Fast cover. A vigorous grower that smothers a pergola, arbour or wire fence quickly.
• Cold hardy. It copes with cold winters, which makes it a reliable climber for cooler gardens.
• Flexible shape. Train it up a post, along a fence, into a large tree, or clip it as a hedge with regular pruning.

Where it works best

Pergolas and arbours. Plant at the base of a post and tie in the first stems. Give it a strong frame, because a mature plant is heavy.

Fences and chainlink. Plant 1.5m apart along a fence line for continuous cover and privacy. It will clothe a wire fence within a few seasons.

Large trees. Left to climb into a big tree, it reaches its full height of 5m or more.

Hedging. If you enjoy clipping, regular pruning keeps it as a hedge, though it is more at home climbing.

Growing Firecracker Honeysuckle in Australia

Position and climate. A sunny, open position with plenty of space to climb. It grows in sun or part shade, is cold hardy, and suits cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens. It is deciduous, so it drops its leaves in winter.

Soil. Any good garden soil. Dig in compost at planting to give it a strong start.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until it is established, usually around 12 weeks. Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring.

Pruning. Prune after flowering to keep it in check, because it is vigorous and will outgrow its support if left. Remove dead wood and tangled growth each year.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Firecracker Honeysuckle as tube stock (a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly) and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Both sizes are young climbers. Tie the stems to a stake or trellis when you plant so they find their support at once, then water in well. The 140mm pots in packs of 10 suit a long fence, where several plants give faster cover.

Tube stock is supplied by our grower, and supply comes and goes. A sold out tube simply means the grower has none today, so press the notify button on the page and we will email you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• More climbers for pergolas and fences
• Fragrant plants for the garden
• Plants for cool climates
• Star jasmine as an evergreen scented climber

Common questions

Will it lose its leaves in winter?

Yes. Firecracker Honeysuckle is deciduous, so it drops its leaves in winter and reshoots in spring. If you want year round screening, allow for a bare frame in the cooler months.

Can I use it as a hedge?

Yes, with regular pruning. It is more usually grown as a climber over arbours, pergolas and fences, but it will take clipping if you like a loose scented hedge.

Is it safe for pets and children?

We do not list it as pet safe. As with most honeysuckles, berries and leaves should not be eaten, so keep it away from animals and children that chew plants.