The honeysuckle vine is a classic that makes many gardeners think of happy times from their childhood. The sweet, enticing scent that floats on the summer breeze makes you remember carefree days spent outside. There are many kinds of honeysuckle to choose from, with over 180 species. But what is the most fragrant type you can grow?.
When selecting the most aromatic honeysuckle, the species Lonicera periclymenum tops the list Also called woodbine or common honeysuckle, this vine is renowned for its intense fragrance. ‘Belgica’, ‘Graham Thomas’, and ‘Serotina’ are exceptionally fragrant L. periclymenum cultivars.
Lonicera x brownii, a hybrid between Japanese and coral honeysuckle, is another species with a strong scent. Between spring and fall, it blooms profusely and has a strong lemony scent. ‘Dropmore Scarlet’ is an excellent selection.
For tropical punch, Lonicera x heckrottii (goldflame honeysuckle) is a knockout. Its large pink and yellow blooms fade to creamy yellow and emit a divine fragrance. Though susceptible to mildew, its exotic flowers make up for the extra care required in warm climates.
Yes, Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is known to spread quickly and widely in many places. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t talk about how sweet its scent is. Just make sure to grow types that don’t have vines, like “Purpurea” or “Aureoreticulata,” in containers that are safe.
Hummingbirds love the native coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), which doesn’t spread and has light-scented red and orange flowers. ‘Major Wheeler’ and ‘John Clayton’ have excellent scent.
Other coveted fragrant varieties include Lonicera x americana ‘Superba’ with its lemony aroma, early blooming Lonicera tellmanniana, and the rare yellow-flowered Lonicera hildebrandiana.
How to Select the Most Fragrant Honeysuckle
When deciding which aromatic honeysuckle to grow, consider the following factors:
- Growth habit – Vining, shrubby, or dwarf/compact types available
- Bloom time – Spring, summer, or repeat flowering cultivars
- Flower color – Most are fragrant, choose your favorite hue!
- Scent intensity – Subtly to strongly scented, smell firsthand before buying
- Invasiveness – Ensure it’s non-invasive for your region
- Hardiness – Select types suited to your USDA zone
- Sun exposure – Part sun to full sun for most, dappled light for dwarfs
Prioritize growing conditions and bloom season first then sniff out the most exquisitely perfumed varieties for your perfect fragrant match.
Caring for Fragrant Honeysuckle Vines
Once you’ve selected that dreamy honeysuckle, be sure to give it proper care:
- Plant in well-draining soil enriched with compost
- Add trellises, arbors, or fences for vining types to climb
- Water deeply first year, then weekly in droughts once established
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture and prevent weeds
- Prune lightly after blooming to promote air circulation
- Monitor for pests like spider mites, aphids, beetles
- Use fungicides to prevent powdery mildew if problematic
With ideal growing conditions, your aromatic honeysuckle will perfume your garden with its sweet scent for years to come.
Answers to Common Fragrant Honeysuckle Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the most fragrant honeysuckle varieties:
What is the sweetest smelling honeysuckle?
Lonicera periclymenum and Lonicera x brownii are often cited as the sweetest. Try L. periclymenum ‘Belgica’ and ‘Sweet Sue’ or L. x brownii ‘Dropmore Scarlet’.
What honeysuckle has the strongest scent?
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is very intensely fragrant. For non-invasive types, coral honeysuckle (L. sempervirens) has good scent.
Which smells best at night?
Lonicera periclymenum and Lonicera x brownii smell divine in the evenings when scent is strongest. Place near paths or windows to enjoy.
Do all honeysuckle smell good?
Some are bred more for ornamental appeal than fragrance. Smell varieties firsthand to ensure a sweet aroma.
How long do blooms last?
Most flower from spring through fall, with peak in summer. Individual blooms last about 1 week.
Are berries edible?
Berry-producing species like Lonicera caerulea have edible berries. But many common types have toxic berries that cause stomach upset. Enjoy flowers over berries.
When selecting a fragrant honeysuckle, consider your climate, space and preferences. Then choose the most sublimely scented variety to perfume your garden with nostalgic summertime charm.
Lonicera similis var. delavayi (Image credit: Alamy/Brian Hoffman)
This late flowering, disease-resistant, evergreen honeysuckle is unusual in having white undersides to its leaves. The white flowers, with the heavy evening perfume, mature to yellow over many weeks.
Good for Walls, fences, pergolas
Hardiness zone 4-9
Height 3-4m (10-14ft)
Also The long-stalked flowers are especially well displayed.
Lonicera ligustrina var. pileata (Image credit: Alamy/Anna Nelidova)
This neat evergreen plant is called box-leaved honeysuckle and has unique, horizontal branches full of short, dark leaves. It also sometimes has strange, clear blue berries.
Good for Ground cover, an alternative to box
Hardiness zone 4-8
Height 60cm-1.2m (2ft-4ft)
Also try ‘Elegant’, with arching branches
Super Fragrant Winter Honeysuckle Details
FAQ
Which is the strongest smelling honeysuckle?
For fragrance, hardiness and growth, look no further than Lonicera periclymenum ‘Graham Thomas’. The L. Periclymenum species are some of the most fragrant honeysuckles you can get. This is the common honeysuckle vine that you see climbing over trees, bushes, and fences.
What type of honeysuckle is fragrant?
Lonicera flava, also known as Yellow Honeysuckle, is a native North American vine that is known for its fragrant, tube-shaped yellow flowers.
What are the negatives of honeysuckle?
Invasive honeysuckles hurt the environment by reducing the variety of native plants, blocking the sun from tree seedlings, and producing berries that aren’t very good for you.
What kind of honeysuckle blooms all summer?
(Lonicera sempervirens ‘Major Wheeler’) – Offers blazing red and gold blooms all summer long. Vigorous and mildew-free, growing 6-10 ft tall in zones 4-8.May 24, 2024