Plant of the Month, February 2007

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Lonicera fragrantissima

Extra notes and interesting information:
  This delicate looking shrub bears its charmingly fragrant flowers before it leafs out. 

  Early hummingbirds are easily attracted by this shrub, and it provides them with much needed winter season food. 

  Prune to shape after flowering.

  Adapts to a wide range of soils, and is low maintenance.

  The lemony fragrance is as rich as Daphne odora.

  Bring budded branches indoors for bloom.

  Young twigs are purple

Other cultivars/species:
L. standishii is also an early bloomer.

References:

Kathleen Norris, Ed. 1995. Sunset Western Garden Book, 40th Anniversary ed. Sunset Publishing Corporation, Menlo Park, CA.

Staff of the L.H. Bailey Hortorium, Cornell University.  1976.  Hortus Third.  Macmillan Publishing Company, New York.

Common Name: Winter Honeysuckle

Plant type: Deciduous shrub, semi-evergreen in mild winter areas
Family:
Caprifoliaceae
Height/Spread:
6’ to 10’ high and wide

Leaves:  Oval, opposite, smooth, 3” long leaves are dull green above, blue-green below

Flowers:  The pairs of cream colored, ½” two-lipped flowers are extremely fragrant (fruit loop smell), but not overly showy.
Bloom Time:
Late winter to early spring
Conditions:
 
Sun or light shade, dry to medium moisture
Diseases/pests:
No significant problems

Natural Range: China
Hardiness:
Zones 4-8
Location:
Perennial bed, north entrance


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