Lonicera fragrantissima - Winter Honeysuckle

Lonicera fragrantissima is a bushy honeysuckle that blooms in the heart of winter with a superb fragrance reminiscent of lemon and jasmine. Its flowers are small, and slightly creamy white, numerous and particularly visible in February, on branches that are often bare at this time of year. In addition to its flowers, its ample, dense, and flexible habit has a beautiful presence in the semi-shaded areas of the garden. This vigorous winter honeysuckle is an essential shrub in a large garden or informal hedge, especially since it thrives in all regions and in any well-drained soil.

The Lonicera fragrantissima, from the Caprifoliaceae family, is native to northeastern China, where it grows in woodland and deciduous forests. It is a perfectly hardy plant and very tolerant of soil, whether slightly acidic, neutral, or even slightly alkaline. It tolerates dry summers quite well if planted in a shaded position in summer, under a deciduous tree for example. However, it dislikes overly compact and waterlogged soils in winter.

The habit of Lonicera fragrantissima is bushy, rounded to spreading, well-branched, and supported by slightly arched branches. At maturity, this slightly wider-than-tall shrub will measure about 2.50m (8ft) in height and 2.75m (9ft) in spread. Its growth can be easily controlled by pruning after flowering. The branches are reddish when young, becoming more grey and losing their leaves over time. Its foliage is dense, more or less evergreen in winter depending on the climate: it often falls in January-February. The leaves, from 2.5 to 7cm (1 to 2.8in) in length, are entire, ovate, and pointed, light to medium green. This shrub is especially appreciated for its winter flowering, which appears from December to March depending on the region. The small flowers grouped in pairs in the axils of the leaves measure no more than 1cm (0.4in) to 1.5cm (0.6in) in length and diameter. They bloom on the previous year's wood. Very nectar-rich, they are a source of food for bees at a time of year when flowering is scarce. Their fragrance is more noticeable in mild weather. They give way to small fruits that are dull red, and ripen in late spring to early summer.

This honeysuckle, with its relatively large size, is often used in an informal hedge or at the back of low-growing plant beds. However, its winter fragrance will be better appreciated if it is planted near a pathway or alley leading to an entrance of the house or garage. It will be interesting to associate it with shrubs that have staggered flowering but equivalent vigour: consider, for example, Cornus mas, Philadelphus coronarius (garden mock orange), Lonicera tatarica, lilacs, apple trees, and ornamental cherries... The budding branches can be cut and placed in a vase indoors, where they will open and perfume the room.