Fragrant Honeysuckle Lonicera fragrantissima

Winter honeysuckle is a broadleaf, deciduous or semi-evergreen, perennial shrub in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae). This shrub is native to eastern and southern China. Winter honeysuckle was first introduced in the United States in the late 1800s. It was planted as an ornamental and for wildlife food and shelter, but it has since naturalized in many states. The specific epithet, fragrantissima, is Latin and means “very fragrant.”

Winter honeysuckle grows readily (too readily, in some cases) in most soil types, in sun or partial shade. It performs best on well-drained soil and full sun. It transplants readily and is tolerant of a range of soil pH and of poor soils, but it is intolerant of wet conditions.

There are clear pros and cons to this species. Although the shrub is a dense mass of branches and not especially attractive, the leafless branches produce small, lemon-scented, creamy white flowers from December to March, at a time when few plants are flowering. The flowers are an excellent nectar source for honey bees foraging on warm winter days. Its tiny red berries feed birds and small mammals. On the other hand, this plant is considered invasive in many states, particularly in forests of several southern US states, including Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. It is listed as invasive by the NC Invasive Plant Council. It can form a dense understory thicket, restricting native plant growth and tree seedling establishment. 

This species might be used in an Asian or fragrance garden, as a screen, border or foundation plant. However, winter honeysuckle can readily invade woodlands, fields, and most disturbed sites and then form dense thickets. It may be best to consider planting US-native plants instead of winter honeysuckle in the landscape.

Quick ID Hints:

• broadleaf deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub with a tangled mass of branches and cane-like growth
• small, creamy-white tubular flowers with lemon fragrance blooming from December to March
• leathery, dull green to blue-green, simple, opposite leaves with crenulate margins and the midrib covered with bristles
• abundant tiny orange to red berries appear in late spring to early summer

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant has no serious insect or disease problems. Aphids, scales, sawflies, whiteflies, loopers, plant hoppers, flea beetles, and webworms may be potential insect pests. It may also be susceptible to leaf spots, blight, and powdery mildew. It may become weedy and high-maintenance. This species is classified as invasive by the NC Invasive Plant Council.

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University

More information on Lonicera.