Winter can feel a bit drab in the garden, but Winter-flowering honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima) is a fantastic choice to add a touch of life and fragrance to your outdoor space during the colder months. This bushy shrub, reaching up to 2 meters tall, can be deciduous or semi-evergreen. It features simple, ovate dark green leaves and pairs of fragrant, creamy-white flowers that bloom in winter and early spring.
Why we love it:
- Winter interest: As the name suggests, this deciduous climber blooms in late winter or early spring, often when little else is in flower.
- Sweet scent: The delicate, creamy-white flowers emit a captivating fragrance, attracting pollinators like bees when they’re most needed.
- Easy to grow: Honeysuckle is relatively low-maintenance and can be grown against walls, fences, or even trained over arches.
- Versatile: It can be pruned to keep it in check or allowed to ramble for a more natural look.
Tips for growing:
- Plant in autumn: This gives the roots time to establish before the colder weather sets in.
- Choose a sunny spot: Honeysuckle thrives in full sun or partial shade.
- Provide good drainage: Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.
- Water regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
- Prune lightly after flowering: This encourages bushier growth and more blooms the following year.
