Winter-flowering Honeysuckle Lonicera fragrantissima

Winter Honeysuckle is a broadleaf deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub that grows to a height of 6 to 10 feet and is equally as wide. It is a tangled mass of branches, cane-like growth, and irregularly mounded. In mild climates, very small lemon-scented creamy white flowers may appear from December to March. The leaves look like other honeysuckle leaves but are wider and more rounded. They are a dull blue-green to dark green and emerge after the blooms. In late spring to early summer, abundant tiny dark red berries appear and are mostly hidden by the foliage.

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.

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. The seeds are dispersed by birds and mammals that eat the berries. It can form a dense understory thicket restricting native plant growth and tree seedling establishment. 

The genus name, Lonicera, is in honor of Adam Lonitzer, a 16th-century German botanist. The specific epithet, fragrantissima, means fragrant.

The easy-to-grow Winter Honeysuckle thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It transplants readily and is tolerant of soil pH and poor soils but is intolerant of wet conditions.

Winter Honeysuckle can fit in today’s smaller landscapes when used as a cutback shrub. Because it blooms early on growth from last year, it can be cut back close to the ground right after flowering and allowed to grow and flower the next winter. In addition to being a great ornamental, it is an excellent winter nectar source for honey bees and is effective for winter garden fragrance.

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.

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom: Spring    Foliage:  Spring and Summer    Fruits: Late Spring to Early Summer

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, whitefly, loopers, plant hoppers, flea beetles, and webworms may be potential insect pests. It may also be susceptible to leaf spots, blight, and powdery mildew. Invasive, weedy, 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