Article from Bean's Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles
Recommended citation
'Lonicera acuminata' from the website Trees and Shrubs Online (treesandshrubsonline.
Under Lonicera giraldii and L. alseuosmoides, Bean discussed two species since synonymised with L. acuminata (POWO 6/5/2025). However, material in cultivation under these names appears to be quite distinct, so for the time being we continue to recognise L. giraldii as an independent species, pending a full, revised treatment of Lonicera to be undertaken when funds permit. If you would like to sponsor the account of this genus please write to editor@treesandshrubsonline.org
A climbing evergreen shrub, with slender, glabrous, young shoots. Leaves narrowly oblong, tapered at both ends, 11⁄4 to 2 in. long, averaging about 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 in. wide, the decurved margins furnished with appressed hairs, otherwise glabrous. Flowers produced from July to October at the apex of the shoot, and in the terminal leaf-axils, the whole forming a short broad panicle. Corolla purple within, yellow outside, funnel-shaped, 1⁄2 in. long, glabrous outside, downy within. Fruits globose, 1⁄6 to 1⁄4 in. in diameter, black covered with purple bloom, borne in a close head.
Native of China; introduced by Wilson for Messrs Veitch about 1904. An interesting and pretty climber, which first flowered at Coombe Wood in 1909. Closely akin to L. henryi, which has hairy young shoots and bigger leaves.