Description
Garden Advice Notes
Lonicera fragrantissima, also known as Winter Honeysuckle, is a deciduous shrub that is native to China. It is a member of the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae) and is prized for its fragrant, winter-blooming flowers.
The shrub typically grows to a height of 6 to 10 feet and has a spread of 4 to 8 feet. Its branches are thin and flexible and have a tendency to arch over. The leaves are simple, ovate, and up to 2 inches long. They are a pale green color and turn yellow in the fall.
The flowers of Lonicera fragrantissima are small, tubular, and white, with a yellowish center. They typically appear in late winter to early spring, before the leaves emerge, and are extremely fragrant. The scent is sweet and spicy, with hints of vanilla and lemon.
The plant is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of soil types, as long as they are well-drained. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can be propagated by cuttings or layering.
Lonicera fragrantissima is an excellent choice for a winter garden or for adding interest to a mixed border. Its fragrant flowers provide a much-needed burst of colour and scent during the bleak winter months, and it is also attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Soil type- Lonicera fragrantissima can grow in a variety of soil types, but it prefers a well-drained soil that is moist and fertile. It can tolerate some drought, but it does not do well in waterlogged or heavy clay soils. The plant can also grow in acidic or alkaline soils, as long as they are well-draining. It is recommended to add organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to the soil before planting to improve its structure and fertility.
Location- Lonicera fragrantissima grows best in a location with full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may produce fewer flowers in a heavily shaded area. It is a hardy plant that can withstand cold temperatures and frost, making it suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8. However, it may not do well in areas with hot summers or in regions with a tropical or subtropical climate. It is also recommended to plant Lonicera fragrantissima in a protected area, such as a sheltered garden bed or near a building, to help protect it from strong winds.
Pest and disease problems-Lonicera fragrantissima is generally a low-maintenance plant that is not commonly affected by pests or diseases. However, like all plants, it may be susceptible to certain issues under certain conditions.
Some of the pests that can affect Lonicera fragrantissima include aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
The plant may also be susceptible to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot, especially in humid or wet conditions. To prevent fungal diseases, it is important to avoid overhead watering and to plant Lonicera fragrantissima in a well-drained location with good air circulation. Fungal diseases can be treated with fungicides or by removing affected leaves or branches.
In addition, the plant may be susceptible to damage by deer and rabbits, who may eat the leaves and bark of the shrub. To prevent damage, it is recommended to protect the plant with a physical barrier or to use repellents.
Propagation-Lonicera fragrantissima can be propagated by softwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings, or layering.
Softwood cuttings are taken in late spring or early summer, and semi-hardwood cuttings are taken in late summer or early fall. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long and should have at least two sets of leaves. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the cuttings moist and in a shaded location until they root, which can take several weeks.
Layering is another effective method of propagation. This involves bending a low-hanging stem of the plant down to the ground and covering it with soil. After several weeks, the stem will produce roots, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to keep the soil moist and to provide the new plant with bright, indirect light until it is established.
Pruning, cutting back and dividing-Lonicera fragrantissima does not require frequent pruning, but occasional pruning can help maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. The plant can be pruned in early spring after flowering or in late winter before new growth begins.
When pruning, it is recommended to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches first. Then, thin out some of the oldest branches to promote new growth from the base of the plant. It is important to avoid pruning too much of the plant’s structure as this may reduce flowering in the following year.
Lonicera fragrantissima does not typically require cutting back, but if it has become overgrown or is interfering with other plants, it can be cut back by up to one-third of its total height. This can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Dividing Lonicera fragrantissima is not recommended as it does not form clumps like other plants. The plant can be propagated by softwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings, or layering instead.
Please note our plants in most instances are delivered by our own GardenAdvice expert gardeners. Our standard UK delivery charge is £25 for your whole order or if you are a MyGardenTeam member delivery is free
Our plants are guaranteed for 24 months for more details Click Here
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.