Lonicera fragrantissima

Sweet breath of spring

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Taxonomy

Common Names

Sweet breath of springWinter honeysuckleJanuary jasmine

Context

nativeRegion

Native to China.

usdaZones

4–8

companionPlants

Forsythia, Cornus mas, Chaenomeles, Witch hazel, Winter daphne

culturalUses

Grown for ornamental value due to winter flowers and strong fragrance; attracts early pollinators.

Care

LightPrefers full sun to partial shade.

WateringModerate; water when top inch of soil is dry, drought-tolerant once established.

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil; tolerates a range of soil types including clay and loam.

FertilizerFeed in early spring with balanced fertilizer if soil is poor.

HumidityAverage garden humidity; not notably sensitive.

TemperatureHardy, tolerates cold winters; ideal between -20°C to 30°C (-4°F to 86°F).

HabitDeciduous shrub, upright and bushy.

Mature Size1.5–2.5 m tall (5–8 ft), similar spread.

Growth RateModerate growth rate.

BloomingBlooms late winter to early spring with fragrant, creamy-white flowers.

DormancyDeciduous, dormant in winter after leaf drop.

MethodsSoftwood cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Seeds, Division

DifficultyEasy to moderate.

Best SeasonLate spring to early summer for cuttings; autumn for seed sowing.

PruningPrune after flowering to shape and remove dead wood.

RepottingRarely needed as it is usually grown outdoors; young container plants may be repotted every 2–3 years.

Pests & DiseasesGenerally pest-free; may encounter aphids, powdery mildew, or leaf spot occasionally.

ToxicityBerries are mildly toxic if ingested; not generally dangerous to touch.

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