PlantoscanImage: AI generated
Fragrant Honeysuckle Plant Care
Lonicera fragrantissima Lindl. & Paxton
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognized by its pale yellow flowers that bloom in the late winter. Originating from China, it is highly sought after by plant collectors for its sweet, intoxicating fragrance that fills the garden in the colder months.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to part shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Fragrant Honeysuckle?
Water Fragrant Honeysuckle every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Fragrant Honeysuckle Native To?
What Is the Fragrant Honeysuckle?
Fragrant Honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima) belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family within the Lonicera genus. Fragrant Honeysuckle is native to China and has been an introduced species to other parts of the world. Fragrant Honeysuckle is also known as Winter Honeysuckle, Sweet Breath of Spring.
Fragrant Honeysuckle displays a vining, twining shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Fragrant Honeysuckle produces fragrant tubular flowers in shades of white, pink, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Fragrant Honeysuckle?
Lonicera fragrantissima requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Fragrant Honeysuckle Need?
Fragrant Honeysuckle thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Fragrant Honeysuckle Prefer?
Lonicera fragrantissima grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Fragrant Honeysuckle prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Fragrant Honeysuckle?
Rich, well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Fragrant Honeysuckle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Fragrant Honeysuckle?
Feed Fragrant Honeysuckle every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Fragrant Honeysuckle?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Fragrant Honeysuckle?
Fragrant Honeysuckle can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to trumpet honeysuckle plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Fragrant Honeysuckle Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Berries may be mildly toxic if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Fragrant Honeysuckle?
Fragrant Honeysuckle is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Fragrant Honeysuckle Need?
Fragrant Honeysuckle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Fragrant Honeysuckle is native to China and has been an introduced species to other parts of the world.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Fragrant Honeysuckle is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Lonicera genus — compare its care with other Lonicera species on PlantoScan.
Lonicera is part of the Caprifoliaceae plant family — browse all Caprifoliaceae genera and species.
Fragrant Honeysuckle thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Lonicera Species
Other Lonicera species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lonicera fragrantissima Lindl. & Paxton, family Caprifoliaceae (first published in Paxton's Fl. Gard. 3: 75 (1852)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Fragrant Honeysuckle is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Fragrant Honeysuckle Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species