Plant of the Week – Winter Flowering Honeysuckle
Plant of the Week
Winter Flowering Honeysuckle
![Fragrant Honeysuckle Flowers in Bloom in Winter Fragrant Honeysuckle Flowers in Bloom in Winter](https://cultivationstreet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AdobeStock_241914830.jpeg)
Winter flowering honeysuckle or Lonicera fragrantissima is a bushy, fragrant shrub with cream lipped flowers of a silky texture through winter. It thrives in well drained soil and in a partially shaded border or container. It reliably flowers from mid-December to March and is better grown as a standalone plant. Although, it can be a beautiful feature within borders and can also grow up fences and walls.
![Winter Honeysuckle A close-up shot of a branch full of winter honeysuckle blooms.](https://cultivationstreet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AdobeStock_142498386.jpeg)
It is important to prune your honeysuckle annually to encourage new shoots and ensure it flowers again each year. The best time to prune is the end of April - any later and there’s a risk of pruning next year’s flowers. If it has the right conditions and is pruned correctly it can be a vigorous grower.
![Close-up of garden bumblebee (Bombus hortorum) collecting nectar from blooming white flower winter honeysuckle Lonicera fragrantissima (standishii). January jasmine on natural bokeh background Close-up of garden bumblebee (Bombus hortorum) collecting nectar from blooming white flower winter honeysuckle Lonicera fragrantissima (standishii). January jasmine on natural bokeh background](https://cultivationstreet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AdobeStock_331541048.jpeg)
These plants are great for wildlife, as the flowers provide a source of nectar through winter for pollinators. Then, in summer, red berries may be found on this beautiful plant. These berries are popular with any birds visiting your garden.