Winter Honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima)-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Shrub

Winter Honeysuckle
Lonicera fragrantissima

Winter Honeysuckle form
Winter Honeysuckle form
 
Features
Fragrant white flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge; blue green leaves (leaves are semi-evergreen in southern states); red berries in summer. 
 
Culture
Full sun to partial shade; moist, well drained soils are best; but tolerates dry sites; tolerates alkaline soil. 
 
Cultivars
 
 
Mature Height
6-10 Feet
 
Size
Medium
 
 
Mature Width
6-10 Feet
 
Mature Form
Rounded to irregular 
 
Native To:
China 
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 8 
 
Soil Conditions
Dry
Moist, Well-Drained
 
 
Tolerance
Alkaline Soil
Dry Sites
Wind
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
 
 
Uses
Border
Hedge
Screen
Specimen
 
 
Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Fall Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Pests and Problems

Environmental Damage

Fungal Disease


Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:

Leaf spots, powdery mildew, aphids, plant hoppers, scale are possible. These problems seldom become serious.
 
Additional Notes
All honeysuckle shrubs require annual pruning to keep them in good shape and at a good size. They can tolerate very heavy pruning. Many honeysuckles are considered weedy, but Winter Honeysuckle does not present this problem.

 

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic