Fragrant honeysuckle

Family Caprifoliaceae. Native to eastern China. Suitable for landscaping in cities of the far south.

Semi-evergreen shrub up to 2 m in height, with long, spreading branches, young shoots with bristly pubescence; with large (up to 7 cm), elliptic or broadly ovate leaves, dark green and glabrous above, glaucous, often bristly-pubescent beneath. Flowers before or together with leaf emergence, yellowish or pinkish-white, very fragrant. Fruits are bright, blood-red berries. Seed separation from the pulp, storage, preparation for sowing and sowing depth in the soil are similar to L. albertii.

Tolerates partial shade, is heat-loving, prefers fresh fertile soils, and propagates easily by cuttings. Used as solitary specimens and in group plantings. Valued for its early spring and winter flowering, fragrant flowers and foliage retained during the winter. In cultivation since 1845.