20/40cm Pot Grown 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.

This 20/40cm pot grown Shrubby Honeysuckle plant is fast-growing but will exceed 2.5m tall in good conditions.

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

As it is pot grown, you can easily leave the plant in its pot for a few days/weeks before planting it. Just ensure you keep the plant well-watered, and it gets enough sun. Don't leave it for too long, however, as you don't want the roots becoming root bound.

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.