Lonicera x italica

This lovely hybrid is a cross between L. etrusca and L. caprifolium it inherits the best of both species and is a hardy highly scented climber which produces its bright pink and yellow flowers from April to July. Often sold as L. americana in the past, Lonicera x Italica is easily distinguished by its earlier flowering. It is worth noting that the strong scent has a spicy tang to it, quite different to the sweet smell of our native woodbine. It seems to have been around since the 1700's Hardy and easy going.