Overview
Lonicera fragrantissima is a shrub in the genus Lonicera, part of the Caprifoliaceae family. Lonicera fragrantissima grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include hedging, fragrance garden and shrub border. It is native to China.
About
Lonicera fragrantissima is a species of flowering plant in the honeysuckle family Caprifoliaceae, known by the common names winter-flowering honeysuckle, fragrant honeysuckle, kiss-me-at-the-gate, and sweet breath of spring. It is native to China and has been an introduced species to other parts of the world.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lonicera fragrantissima
About the genus
Honeysuckles are arching shrubs or twining vines in the genus Lonicera of the family Caprifoliaceae. The genus includes 158 species native to northern latitudes in North America, Eurasia, and North Africa.
Wikipedia contributors, "Honeysuckle", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Honeysuckle
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lonicera
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Lonicera fragrantissima size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Suggested uses
- hedging, fragrance garden, shrub border
- Native to
- China
- Fragrance
- strongly fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lonicera fragrantissima
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and a sheltered position. Tolerates urban conditions and pollution.
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- Propagation
- Propagation by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by layering.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Lonicera fragrantissima?
Prefers well-drained soil and a sheltered position. Tolerates urban conditions and pollution.
Where is the best place to plant Lonicera fragrantissima?
Lonicera fragrantissima prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lonicera fragrantissima need?
Lonicera fragrantissima grows best in well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Lonicera fragrantissima?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Is Lonicera fragrantissima hardy in the UK?
Lonicera fragrantissima has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Lonicera fragrantissima?
Propagation by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by layering.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Lonicera genus
- Lonicera caerulea 'Altaj' (F)Honeyberry
- Lonicera caprifolium 'Inga'Italian Woodbine
- Lonicera periclymenum 'Assynt Cream'Honeysuckle
