Woodbine Honeysuckle

These shrubs are fantastic. They are an excellent source of late winter perfume. Bees love them, too. The scent is sort of lemony, but also a bit like Brut aftershave. Their Latin name is Lonicera fragrantissima. Well, yes, they sure are fragrant! They have white and cream flowers, with a touch of pink.

They are easy to grow by taking cuttings in winter, and planting them directly in the ground; but you've got to keep those roots damp enough, for the first summer, to get them well-established.

They are a very good privacy plant, as they make a sort of hedge. Blackbirds like to nest in them, and sing. Woodbine do get a bit straggly, however, and can be clipped back a bit anytime, but it's best to do so after flowering. Who'd want to miss one iota of that beautiful perfume? The younger clipped canes are very supple and long, and could be used for making excellent baskets with.

Woodbine are very tough, but do like some water in the worst of the heat. Better planted near the house, for fragrance and cooling shade.

Originally from China, they were introduced to the West by the Scottish botanist, Robert Fortune. What a wonderful favour he did the world!!!!!