Winter honeysuckle is a type of flowering plant. The plant is native to eastern Asia and parts of northern China. The winter honeysuckle is a member of the caprifoliaceae family, which also includes the related shrub, the Japanese honeysuckle.
Related plant:
Winter Shrubs
Related plant:
Winter Daphne
About soil condition, winter honeysuckle prefer well-drained sandy or gravelly loams in full sun to part shade. They are not fussy about soil type but seem to do best in slightly acidic to neutral soils. They are drought tolerant once established.
Similar to other types of honeysuckle, winter honeysuckle requires full sun to partial shade in order to thrive. If the plant does not receive enough sun, it will not flower as profusely as it could. It is important to note that too much sun can also be detrimental to the plant, causing the leaves to become scorched.
The temperature condition that is most favorable for winter honeysuckle is between 20 and 30 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant can withstand some cold temperatures, but it may not flower as well in these conditions.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40-50%. During the winter, the plant may lose some leaves due to the dry air. To prevent this, mist the leaves with water or place the plant on a pebble tray.
Regarding fertilizer, this plant does best with light to moderate applications of a well-balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. Apply fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer. As for the roots, winter honeysuckle has a taproot system with a deep, central taproot and numerous, spreading lateral roots.
Pruning your winter honeysuckle is important to keeping the plant healthy and growing properly. By removing dead or diseased branches, you allow the plant to focus its energy on new growth. When pruning, be sure to cut just above a bud or node, as this is where new growth will occur.
Propagation is best done in late summer or early autumn by taking semi-ripe cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the current seasons growth and should be around 10cm (4in) long. Use a sharp knife or secateurs to take a cutting just below a leaf joint. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cuttings into hormone rooting powder. Plant the cuttings into pots of moistened seed compost and place in a propagator or seal the pot inside a clear plastic bag. Keep at a temperature of 18-21°C (65-70°F). The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, pot on the young plants into individual pots and grow on in cooler conditions. Plant out in late spring or early summer.
Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the cultivar. 'Arnold's Promise' and 'Winter Beauty' are two cultivars that have a fast growth rate, growing up to six feet in a single season. ' Dwarf Honeyrose' is a slow-growing cultivar, only reaching about two feet in height. All three cultivars are cold hardy and will do well in zones four through eight.
Common problems for this kind of plant are freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. The plant is also susceptible to diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. Winter honeysuckle is also a host plant for several pests, including the Japanese beetle and the scale insect.
Source:
Winter Honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima)-Hort Answers
Winter Honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima) - Selecting Shrubs
Winter Honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima), by Dr. William C.
