Lonicera nitida (Box Honeysuckle, Wilson's Honeysuckle)
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Plant Name | Lonicera nitida |
| Common Name | Box Honeysuckle, Wilson's Honeysuckle |
| Plant Type | Evergreen shrub |
| Height | 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters) |
| Spread | 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters) |
| Foliage | Small, opposite, glossy green leaves |
| Flower Colour | Insignificant, creamy-white flowers in late spring to early summer |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil | Well-draining, adaptable to various soil types |
| Watering | Regular, especially during dry periods |
| Maintenance | Low to moderate |
| Uses | Hedge, border plant, topiary |
| Notable Feature | Dense, compact growth, easy to trim and shape |
Planting Aspects
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Site Selection: Plant in full sun to partial shade.
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Soil Preparation: Adaptable to various soil types, but well-draining soil is preferred.
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Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the nursery container.
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Spacing: Space plants about 1 foot apart, depending on the desired coverage. Aim for about 3/4 per meter to get an almost instant mini hedge effect
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Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
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Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to help retain soil moisture.
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Maintenance: Prune as needed to shape and control size. Box Honeysuckle responds well to regular pruning and is suitable for creating formal hedges or topiaries.
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Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring for optimal growth.
Lonicera nitida, or Box Honeysuckle, is a versatile evergreen shrub known for its small, glossy green leaves and dense, compact growth. While the creamy-white flowers that appear in late spring to early summer are insignificant, the plant's appeal lies in its ability to be easily trimmed and shaped. This makes it an excellent choice for creating formal hedges, borders, or topiaries. Box Honeysuckle is adaptable to various soil types and is generally low-maintenance.