Lonicera fragrantissima aka Fragrant Honeysuckle

Lonicera fragrantissima, or winter honeysuckle, belongs to the honeysuckle family. This shrub comes from central, eastern, and southern China. It has spread beyond gardens in many American states. It sheds its leaves in cold climates. In warmer places, it may keep some through winter. Its chief garden feature is its scent during winter flowering.

The shrub grows fast and forms a broad, uneven mound. Curved, cane-like branches make a dense, tangled frame. Garden plants reach about 6–10 feet [1.8–3 metres] tall and wide. RHS gives a smaller range, around 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. Oregon State notes heights reaching 15 feet [4.5 metres]. Young stems may be purple or reddish brown. Older bark turns pale tan or gray and flakes away. The simple leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stems. They feel leathery and range from blue-green to dark green. Fine bristles cover the main vein beneath each leaf. The leaves give little fall color and may drop green.

Small flowers open in pairs before the new leaves emerge. Each cream-white flower has a tube and two lips. Some have a faint pink or red tint. Their strong scent recalls lemon, despite their modest size. In mild climates, bloom may last from December through March. Cooler-region sources give March to April as the bloom period. Honey bees visit the flowers for nectar on warm winter days. Small berries turn orange to dark red beneath the leaves. They ripen from late spring into summer. Birds and small mammals eat them.

Grow this shrub in sun or partial shade. It does best with full sun and good drainage. It prefers moist loam but accepts many soils and pH levels. It also tolerates drought, dry soil, and clay. Avoid wet sites, which it does not tolerate. Sources give USDA zones 4–8 and UK hardiness H6. Garden uses include hedges, screens, borders, and groups of shrubs. Cut budding branches can provide scent indoors in early spring. UConn advises pruning once the flowers have finished.

Serious pest and disease trouble is uncommon, but problems can occur. Aphids, scale, whiteflies, and webworms may attack it. Leaf spot, blight, and powdery mildew can affect the foliage. RHS also lists silver leaf and, rarely, honey fungus. Its spread poses a greater concern in some regions. North Carolina lists it as invasive, as do several southern states. Dense thickets can crowd out native plants and young trees. RHS warns that people and pets must not eat the fruit. Its value as wildlife food does not make it safe for people.