Quackin Grass Nursery

Lonicera fragrantissima – Walking from the Upper West Side on my way to a midtown clinet I stumbled upon January Jasmine in Central Park one morning in late January. I was stopped short by its heavenly fragrance. It took a moment to focus on the flowers from which the heady aroma originated. Small, white honeysuckle flowers, some with an infusion of pink leaned on the rail of a low bridge extending about 10 feet from the shrub planted on the north bank. Flowers, usually in pairs, sometimes more are in axillary arrangement - welcome magic and promise so early in the new year. Flowers still occur as leaves begin to unfold; matte to satin finished, rounded and attractive they turn yellow in autumn. Its rounded form comprised of arching stems would fit well in a mixed hedgerow, part of a screen or massed. Just be certain to place it where you can appreciate its wonderful scent at a time of the year when most plants are still winter napping. In the north it is completely deciduous but may be semi-evergreen farther south. This plant may be invasive in the deep south, certainly in Texas, but not here in the north. Fertile, draining to moist soil in a part to full sun exposure.