Mumsnet Talk

Probably the first of many questions as I graduate from garden books and websites to actually tackling our garden, which was very neglected when we moved in.

I'm hoping to grow lonicera japonica in a container, up the front of the house (sunny, SE facing).

Am I right that the honeysuckle will be happy in a container? And if so, just how big I should make the pot/barrel - big as I can manage?

I'm conscious that I don't want to be changing pots once the plant's attached to the house!

Yes with a big (deep) pot you should be fine. Plant in John Innes No 3 compost. Honeysuckle needs support to climb, so think how you will provide this (trellis?). This could be quite an investment... Be prepared for the plant to not reach its full height of about 10m because of the root restriction.

Also needs a feed early Spring and mid summer plus a good mulch in top of the soil to retain moisture.

Thanks so much, Bienchen - fantastic advice. Yes, attaching to trellis - I realised my "attached to the house" phrasing implied I thought it would magically sucker itself!