Lonicera fragrantissima
winter-flowering honeysuckle
A bushy, deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub to 2m in height, with simple, ovate dark green leaves to 6cm long. Pairs of very fragrant, 2-lipped creamy-white flowers 1cm long, appear in winter and early spring, sometimes followed by dull red berries
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Red | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Cream White |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Lonicera can be deciduous and evergreen shrubs, or climbers with twining stems. The tubular or two-lipped flowers, often very fragrant, are followed by red or black berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China, Russia (Amur)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any well-drained soil in sun or part shade
Propagation
Propagate by greenwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Coastal
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to honeysuckle aphids, Thrips and glasshouse whitefly
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, fungal leaf spot, silver leaf and honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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