About
This bushy, evergreen shrub about 1.5m tall, with paired, small dark grey-green leaves, margined creamy-white to 1cm long. Pairs of tubular white flowers 1cm long are produced from the leaf axils in spring and may be followed by glossy blue-purple berries.
About the genus
Lonicera can be deciduous and evergreen shrubs, or climbers with twining stems. The tubular or two-lipped flowers, often very fragrant, are followed by red or black berries
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
ToxicityFruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow shrubby honeysuckle in any well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Ideal for hedges and container cultivation. See honeysuckle (shrubby) cultivation
PruningPruning group 2 or pruning group 8. Ideal for clipping into topiary shapes, see topiary care
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to honeysuckle aphids, Thrips and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, fungal leaf spot, silver leaf and honey fungus (rarely)