vine

Italian Woodbine

Lonicera caprifolium

The Story

Plant Bio

Lonicera caprifolium, the Italian woodbine, is a vigorous deciduous climber that scales supports using a clockwise-twining habit to reach heights of twenty feet. The creamy-white, tubular flowers emerge in summer from the center of distinctive, fused upper leaf pairs that form circular green discs around the stems.

The heavily scented blooms are flushed with pink or dark red on the outside and open at dusk to attract pollinating moths. Following the flowers, small orange-red berries develop in late summer, providing visual interest but containing toxic glycosides that are harmful if ingested.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces highly fragrant, two-lipped summer flowers and distinctive fused foliage that wraps around the climbing stems.

Serves as an effective vertical screen or cover for fences, arbors, and trellises in temperate gardens.

Provides nectar for native bees, butterflies, and nocturnal moths, which pollinate the evening-scented blooms.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

236"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

Toxic to humans and pets if berries are ingested

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with moist, well-draining soil where the roots will remain cool and shaded while the upper vines can climb into full sun.
Install a sturdy trellis, arbor, or wire support system before planting to accommodate the vigorous, twining growth habit.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, set the plant at its original container depth, and backfill with soil enriched with organic compost.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, resilient root system.

Pro Tip

Train young twining stems onto supports early to prevent the lower base from becoming bare and woody, and ensure the roots remain shaded while the upper foliage receives full sun.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune immediately after flowering in summer to control size and prevent tangling.
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or compost mulch around the root zone in early spring.
Keep the root zone shaded using low-growing companion plants or a thick layer of organic mulch.

Don't

Do not prune heavily late in the season, as this removes the buds required for next year's flowers.
Do not plant in deep, dry shade where the vine will fail to produce flowers.
Do not allow pets or children to ingest the orange-red berries.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Trellises and ArborsFences and ScreensCottage GardensWildlife Gardens

Companion Plants

Clematis Rosa Geranium Nepeta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Italian Woodbine questions

What zones can Italian Woodbine grow in?

Italian Woodbine is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Italian Woodbine bloom?

Italian Woodbine typically blooms in summer through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Italian Woodbine need full sun?

Italian Woodbine does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Italian Woodbine drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Italian Woodbine handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.