The ‘Peaches and Cream’ honeysuckle, scientifically known as Lonicera periclymenum ‘Inov 86’, is a highly prized deciduous vine noted for its compact size and striking floral display. Creamy white and pink flowers open from distinctive purple buds throughout the summer season. The abundant, trumpet-shaped blooms release a delightful, sweet fragrance that is particularly noticeable in the evening air. As a vigorous twining climber, it easily transforms vertical spaces, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden. The honeysuckle’s lush, dark green foliage provides an attractive backdrop for the colorful blossoms.
Site Selection and Initial Planting
Selecting the right location is the first step toward cultivating a thriving ‘Peaches and Cream’ vine. It prefers a spot that receives full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering. While the vine can tolerate full sun, it performs best when the roots are kept cool and shaded, often achieved by planting a low-growing companion plant around the base. The vine requires a well-draining, moist, and loamy environment, though this honeysuckle is tolerant of various soil types.
When preparing the planting site, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the top of the root crown remains level with the surrounding soil surface. Amending heavy clay soil with organic material like compost or well-rotted manure will significantly improve drainage and water retention. The ideal planting times are mid-to-late spring or mid-to-late fall, allowing the vine to establish its roots during moderate temperatures. If planting multiple vines, space them three to five feet apart to allow for mature growth and adequate air circulation.
Essential Ongoing Maintenance
After the initial planting, consistent watering is required to help the young vine establish a strong root system, especially during the first year of growth. Established plants show good drought tolerance but benefit from deep watering during heat and dryness. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged, which can lead to root problems.
Due to its twining, climbing nature, the ‘Peaches and Cream’ honeysuckle must be provided with a sturdy support structure, such as an arbor, trellis, or fence. Since the vine wraps itself around supports rather than clinging with suction cups or tendrils, it needs a framework it can easily grip as it grows. To fuel the long flowering season, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. Alternatively, a low-nitrogen formula can be used to promote flower production over excessive leafy growth.
Pruning and Training Techniques
Pruning manages the vine’s size, encourages robust flowering, and maintains plant health. The best time for routine shaping is immediately after the main bloom period has finished, typically in late summer, as this avoids cutting off the developing flower buds for the next season. The vine can be cut back by up to one-third to maintain a desired shape and promote denser growth.
Training the vine involves gently guiding the new, flexible stems around or through the chosen support structure, which should be done throughout the growing season. This helps ensure good coverage and prevents the stems from becoming a tangled, overcrowded mass. For older, overgrown, or less productive plants, a more aggressive rejuvenation pruning can be performed in late winter or early spring while the vine is dormant. This involves cutting the oldest, woodiest stems back close to the ground to stimulate vigorous new shoots from the base.
Addressing Common Pests and Diseases
The ‘Peaches and Cream’ honeysuckle is generally resistant, but it can occasionally be affected by common garden pests and fungal issues. Aphids are the most frequent insect problem, often clustering on the tender new growth and causing leaf distortion as they feed on the plant’s sap. A strong jet of water can dislodge light infestations, while more severe cases may require treatment with an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew may appear, especially when air circulation is poor or humidity is high. This condition is recognizable by a white, powdery coating on the leaves, which can be minimized by ensuring proper spacing and pruning to allow good airflow through the vine’s interior. Early intervention, such as removing affected leaves and applying a sulfur-based fungicide, helps prevent widespread infection.