Winter honeysuckle, Lonicera fragrantissima, is a breath of spring when we need it most.
It isn’t native to Texas, but as the bumper stickers say–It got here as soon as it could–brought from China in the 19th century. Since then it has proven to be a hardy easy care shrub with one claim to fame, but that’s a big claim. First, shell pink buds swell along the branches followed by many fluffy white flowers that smell lovely. The scent is similar to gardenia but not oppressive, a light springy fragrance. This display goes on for weeks even when there are freezes providing a treat for the gardener and obviously a treat for the bees at a time when treats are in short supply.
Honeybee in January enjoying Winter Honeysuckle blooms.
It won’t take long to list care requirements for this plant. Provide good drainage in either full sun or partial shade for Winter Honeysuckle. Naturally it must be watered to establish, after that it does not require large amounts of irrigation. Remember, of course, that all plants need water provided when rain is not forthcoming.
Winter honeysuckle can grow large, but it can be kept much smaller by pruning done after the winter bloom. Do be aware that in some areas this plant can be overly rambunctious. This has not been a problem at Raincatcher’s but be watchful especially if your garden is near a wild area. Winter Honeysuckle spreads by seed and suckers.
Does it sound like just what your garden needs? Hopefully there will be starts available at the Raincatcher’s plant sale at the April 2019 meeting!
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I talked to Lisa today. She and Jim were headed to The Raincatcher’s Garden to drain the pipes alongside our cisterns so the pvc wouldn’t crack if we have freezing weather and to make sure all faucets were covered.
Last week our gardeners were busy harvesting green tomatoes, some sugar baby watermelons(one last taste of summer) and herbs that would freeze like thyme, lemon verbena, and lemon balm. Our basil was already on it’s last legs so only a little bit of it was worth picking.
about preparing home gardens before a freeze.
We were so lucky this time to have had rain because watering before freezes is so important. Buying frost cloth is a good investment; the little sack like things are useful. I just put those on two clumps of narcissus that are just about to bloom; it won’t hurt the plants but the blooms could be destroyed. I think the kale will be fine but covered it just to be safe of course all tropical have to be inside–and taking a small clump of lemon grass and just putting in the garage will be sure you have some for the next year. Lemon grass usually comes back but is tropical and can freeze.
Pick all vegetables. Green tomatoes usually ripen spread them out single layer–I use plates and put them in back rooms–my kids used to say they couldn’t sleep without green tomatoes on the dresser!
I’ve pulled out all my summer veggies, because I like to avoid the ugly frozen plants.
Because I have now acquired 5 citrus trees, I don’t have room to move them in, so I covered them and have a light bulb down in the bottom.
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