Lonicera × fragrantissima (Winter Honeysuckle)

Lonicera × fragrantissima, commonly known as Winter Honeysuckle, is a bushy deciduous shrub prized for its intensely fragrant winter flowers. From late winter to early spring, it produces masses of creamy-white, short-tubed blooms along bare stems, filling the garden with a powerful sweet scent before the foliage emerges.

This hardy, multi-stemmed shrub has a naturally spreading habit with dark green oval leaves that often persist through mild winters. Its pale grey to tan bark adds seasonal interest, while small red berries develop after flowering, providing additional wildlife value. Ideal for borders, cottage gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes, it performs reliably in a wide range of conditions.