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Winter-flowering Honeysuckle
This shrub honeysuckle (Lonerica Fragrantissima) is native to China and was first introduced into the UK in 1845. It flowers over the winter and early spring. Best known for the lemony scent of its small white flowers, another name for it is 'Sweet Breath of Spring".
Designated as Perfect for Pollinators under the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) scheme, it is ideal for early flying insects. The flowers are followed later in the year by red berries.
The specimen we have in the garden area of the Rec is only small at the moment and unfortunately a couple of its branches have been snapped off. But we hope it will survive and grow into a large shrub, whose scent will delight visitors; both human and insect!
Friends of Portswood Rec, Southampton, UK