Winter Honeysuckle
Lonicera fragrantissima
Family: Caprifoliaceae · Also called Fragrant Honeysuckle, January Honeysuckle, Sweet Breath of Spring, Xylosteon fragrantissimum
Floral · Winter bloomer
Winter honeysuckle is a study in understatement, small, creamy-white tubular flowers half-hidden among semi-evergreen leaves on a plain shrub would never win a beauty contest. But step within range on a winter's day and you'll understand why gardeners prize it above showier plants: the fragrance is a honeyed, jasmine-like sweetness that seems impossible in January.
devotion, generosity, sweetness
In the Victorian language of flowers, winter honeysuckle means “Devoted affection”. Introduced to Britain by Robert Fortune in 1845 from Shanghai gardens. The small, creamy-white flowers are completely unremarkable visually, the entire value of this plant is its extraordinary winter fragrance. Plant it beside a path or doorway where you'll walk past daily and discover its scent anew each winter morning.
Did You Know?
The species name 'fragrantissima' literally means 'the most fragrant', high praise in a genus already known for scent. Robert Fortune smuggled it out of China (along with tea plants) during a period when foreigners were restricted from traveling inland. A single small shrub can perfume a 30-foot radius on still winter days.
Woodland margins and thickets in eastern China
Winter Honeysuckle is native to China. It naturally grows in woodland margins and thickets in eastern china.
Scent Profile
“An exquisite honey-lemon-jasmine fragrance, one of the sweetest winter scents, carrying far on cold air. The species name 'fragrantissima' (most fragrant) is well-earned.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameLonicera fragrantissima
- FamilyCaprifoliaceae
- Native ToChina
- Bloom SeasonWinter
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
Introduced to Britain by Robert Fortune in 1845 from Shanghai gardens. The small, creamy-white flowers are completely unremarkable visually, the entire value of this plant is its extraordinary winter fragrance. Plant it beside a path or doorway where you'll walk past daily and discover its scent anew each winter morning.