When we planted a White Honeysuckle (Lonicera albiflora) shrub last summer, we weren't entirely certain it would survive our New England winters. Also known as Texas Honeysuckle, the label information described it as a shade loving vine that was suitable for a trellis and hardy to zone 4. I was dismayed when I researched it more thoroughly at home and discovered that in fact, it's a sun worshiper and depending on the specific cultivar, it might only be hardy to zone 7 (we're technically in zone 6a but our winters can be harsh). So much for our plan to grow it on a trellis in our all white shade garden.
Rethinking the placement, we planted it next to the mailbox in full sun, alongside some climbing and shrub roses. A tiny little thing in a gallon pot when we got it, it weathered last summer's drought in part, I'm sure, to a very generous dash of SoilMoist along with manure in the hole we dug for it.
This spring it has thrived in the rainy weather and rewarded us with exuberant growth. It is now a 2.5 ft by 3.5 ft shrub covered with fragrant blossoms that have a delicious scent reminiscent of vanilla. If it keeps its shrubby habitus we won't be disappointed but if it does begin to climb up and over the mailbox, twining with the climbing rose that does the same, it will be a stunning combination.
