PLANT OF THE WEEK

Shrubby honeysuckle

NOT all honeysuckles are the familiar climbers that scramble up trees or trellis and bloom spectacularly in summer. Among the same family are a few rather unusual winter-flowering species.

The best known of these is Lonicera fragrantissima, but Lonicera x purpusii ‘Winter Beauty’ is worth a look too. Both bloom from late December until early March, but are at their peak in January.

Shrubby honeysuckles need well-drained soil and thrive in full sun or very light shade. Flowers aren’t hugely showy – they are small and creamy white, growing in modest clusters that don’t look much like conventional honeysuckle. But their greatest attribute is their scent, which is outstanding.

Grow shrubby honeysuckle in a sheltered spot close to a path, the front door or somewhere you regularly walk past in midwinter, so you will enjoy the full benefit.