Honeysuckle Seeds – Winter

Winter Honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima) is a highly fragrant and hardy shrub that blooms in the colder months, bringing life and scent to the winter garden. Its creamy white flowers appear on bare branches from late winter to early spring, providing early nectar for pollinators when few other plants are in bloom. Known for its strong, sweet fragrance and easy maintenance, Winter Honeysuckle is a perfect choice for hedges, borders, or as a stand-alone ornamental plant.

This deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub thrives in various soil types and tolerates cold weather, making it ideal for gardeners looking for low-maintenance winter interest.

Features:

• Produces small, creamy white, highly fragrant flowers in late winter.

• Attracts early pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

• Hardy and adaptable to different soil conditions.

• Excellent for hedges, borders, and naturalized areas.

• Resistant to cold and performs well even in partial shade.

• Easy to grow and requires minimal care once established.

Specifications:

• Scientific Name: Lonicera fragrantissima

• Common Name (US): Winter Honeysuckle

• Plant Type: Deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub

• Bloom Color: Creamy white

• Bloom Period: Late winter to early spring

• Fragrance: Strong, sweet scent

• Plant Height: 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m)

• Plant Spread: 6–12 feet (1.8–3.6 m)

• Sunlight Requirement: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to loam or clay

• Watering: Moderate; keep soil slightly moist during establishment

• Germination Time: 30–60 days (requires cold stratification)

• Sowing Method: Sow seeds in moist soil and stratify in cold conditions for 6–8 weeks before planting outdoors

• Spacing: 4–6 feet apart

• Growing Season: Late fall to early spring

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8

• Best Planting Months (by Zone):

  • Zones 4–5: April to May

  • Zones 6–7: March to April

  • Zones 8: February to March

• Mature Spread: Up to 12 feet wide

• Use: Hedges, foundation plantings, wildlife gardens, and winter interest gardens