Fragrant Honeysuckle

Fragrant Honeysuckle, Lonicera fragrantissima

Fragrant honeysuckle is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3 m (10 ft) in height. It can grow in either full sun or part shade and adapts to a wide range of soils. As early as January, it blooms very fragrant white flowers and is sometimes considered a harbinger of spring. Fragrant honeysuckle is resistant to both drought and deer; however, it can also become very invasive.

Blooming branch of fragrant honeysuckle.

Sweet breath of Spring, Winter honeysuckle, and Standing honeysuckle are other names for Lonicera fragrantissima, but it is not native to North America. It originates from eastern Asia and was first introduced in the late 1800s as an ornamental plant not long after it was introduced in Europe. Fragrant honeysuckle was often planted near frequently-used gates for its high fragrance and hardy character.

Fragrant honeysuckle is a dense shrub, not a vine like other honeysuckles.

Unfortunately, fragrant honeysuckle spreads rapidly by seeds favored by birds even though they are not a high-fat, nutrient-rich food needed for migration. In addition, fragrant honeysuckle provides dense cover which, while useful for wildlife, crowds out native plant species and alters soil chemistry. The native coral honeysuckle is one recommended alternative to winter honeysuckle.