Lonicera nitida - Boxleaf Honeysuckle

Most often seen as a specimen shrub in gardens, the Boxleaf Honeysuckle (sometimes referred to as the "shrubby" honeysuckle) makes an excellent fast-growing, dense hedge. It can be kept tightly clipped as either a very dwarf hedge (an effective alternative to Dwarf Box) or as a taller hedge at about 1.3 – 1.5m. The tiny oval evergreen leaves give the plant an attractive appearance throughout the year.

Site and soil

Will do well on most well-drained soils and is able to grow well in even very dense shade. Salt tolerant, so it does well in coastal sites.

Height and spread

Below are the approximate stages of growth, assuming sited in suitable conditions for this species;

After 10 years: 3.5m x 3m
After 20 years: 3.5m x 3m

Leaf and bark

The leaves are a glossy dark green, about 1cm long. They are crowded so densely along the stems that the light-brown bark is barely visible.

Flower, seed and fruit

Small tubular white flowers are borne in the leaf axils in spring and are followed by purple berries in autumn.

Uses

Hedging, screening, specimen shrub, game cover. Boxleaf Honeysuckle is resistant to both deer and rabbits, so is ideal in situations where these are a problem.

Wildlife

Insects are attracted to the flowers. Shelter and nesting sites for birds, and also provides good shelter for small mammals like the dormouse, which makes its nest from the bark.