Shrubby Honeysuckle
(Lonicera nitida)

Having such packed, tiny leaves on long stems, makes the Shrubby Honeysuckle a very full and dense species of hedging. The Lonicera nitida, if you are lucky, can boast tiny, scented creamy-white flowers that will develop into purple-blue berries in the autumn (this will more likely happen when you have had a good summer). Though a lot of people may not recognise the name, the Shrubby Honeysuckle is a very popular hedge, and the similar appearance to the Box hedge can easily make the Honeysuckle a great alternative if you are suffering from Box Blight.

The Lonicera nitida loves a sunny or partially shaded site and can even tolerate deeper shade. It will not grow well if put in overly wet soils, exposed seaside, or very windy sites, but it will tolerate most soils elsewise.

That all being said, being such an simple hedge to maintain, the Shrubby Honeysuckle is the ideal plant for any inexperienced gardener looking for something easy to grow.

The Lonicera nitida loves a sunny or partially shaded site and can even tolerate deeper shade. It will not grow well if put in overly wet soils, exposed seaside, or very windy sites, but it will tolerate most soils elsewise.

That all being said, being such a simple hedge to maintain, the Shrubby Honeysuckle is the ideal plant for any inexperienced gardener looking for something easy to grow.

• Growth height: Fast (40-60cm per year)
• Ideal height: 2.5m+ Tall
• Soil Type: Normal
• Exposure: Exposed, Inland
• Aspect: Semi-shade, Sun
• Evergreen foliage? Yes

The Shrubby Honeysuckle tends to grow rather quickly, but it is surprisingly easy to maintain, allowing you to clip/trim as frequently as you feel is needed, without it causing too much damage to the plant.

If you are looking for a hedge that is a specific height/shape, you will find you need to regularly clip the plant through the growing season to maintain this desired look. You must ensure you do not leave it to grow for too long as it will lead to the plant developing long stems that tend to arch over and flop down very quickly.

When should I plant Shrubby Honeysuckle hedging?

The best time to plant Lonicera Nitida is any time from November through to late May, as long as the ground is not frozen.

How far apart do you plant Shrubby Honeysuckle plants?

Place the plants around 30cm apart to get the best thickness and density from your plants.

How to plant Shrubby Honeysuckle:

Firstly, prepare the soil by digging up a hole that is about 1.5 times bigger than the plant root's depth and height. Loosen up the earth at the bottom of the hole, to give the roots a bit more space to spread out.

The remove the plant from its container, and place into the hole - ensure it is in the middle and place in a straight position. If in burlap, you can leave this on the plants (all you need to do is untie the top and fold down the edges).

Fill in any gaps with excess soil, and water as you go along. Press down lightly at the base of the plant, to ensure it is secured nicely.

Ensure you water around 2-3 times a week, and continue to do so for the first year after planting, as this helps the plant's roots to establish properly and healthily.

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