Overview
Lonicera nitida 'Elegans' is a climbing, bushy, suckering shrub in the genus Lonicera, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 3.0 m tall. Lonicera nitida 'Elegans' grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include hedges, ground cover and borders. It is native to China.
About
Lonicera nitida is a species of flowering plant in the honeysuckle family. In English, it is sometimes given the common names box honeysuckle or Wilson's honeysuckle.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lonicera nitida
About the genus
Honeysuckles are arching shrubs or twining vines in the genus Lonicera of the family Caprifoliaceae. The genus includes 158 species native to northern latitudes in North America, Eurasia, and North Africa.
Wikipedia contributors, "Honeysuckle", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Honeysuckle
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lonicera
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Lonicera nitida 'Elegans' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing, Bushy, Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen
- Height
- 3.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Hedges, Ground cover, Borders
- Native to
- China
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lonicera nitida 'Elegans'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates pruning well; adaptable to various soil types
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Honeysuckle aphids, Thrips, Glasshouse whitefly
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Fungal leaf spot, Silver leaf, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Lonicera nitida 'Elegans'?
Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates pruning well; adaptable to various soil types.
Where is the best place to plant Lonicera nitida 'Elegans'?
Lonicera nitida 'Elegans' prefers full sun and full shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Lonicera nitida 'Elegans' need?
Lonicera nitida 'Elegans' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Lonicera nitida 'Elegans'?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.
How big does Lonicera nitida 'Elegans' grow?
Lonicera nitida 'Elegans' reaches a height of 3.0 m.
Is Lonicera nitida 'Elegans' hardy in the UK?
Lonicera nitida 'Elegans' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Lonicera nitida 'Elegans'?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- The Smallest GardenHow to plant a window box that lasts all season — choosing and fixing the planter, reading the light, picking plants for sun or shade, and keeping it watered and thriving.
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
More in the Lonicera genus
- Lonicera caerulea 'Altaj' (F)Honeyberry
- Lonicera caprifolium 'Inga'Italian Woodbine
- Lonicera periclymenum 'Assynt Cream'Honeysuckle
