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Lonicera ligustrina var. yunnanensis
box honeysuckle
Southwestern China, primarily Yunnan and Sichuan provincesOverview
A dense, rounded evergreen shrub reaching 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) tall and 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) wide at maturity. Growth rate is moderate, adding 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) per year. Leaves are opposite, small, ovate to elliptical, 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) long, glossy dark green, and densely arranged on thin, wiry stems, creating a fine-textured, boxwood-like appearance. Unlike vining honeysuckle species, this is a true shrub with a compact, self-supporting branching structure. Small, tubular, creamy-white flowers approximately 0.3 inches (8 mm) long appear in pairs at leaf axils in May to June. Flowers have a light, sweet fragrance, less intense than that of the vining honeysuckles. Fruit is a small, translucent purple-black berry approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter, produced in fall but often sparsely. Bark is tan to light brown and shredding on older stems. The species is sometimes sold under the older name Lonicera nitida, though L. ligustrina var. yunnanensis is the currently accepted name for much of the material in cultivation. Semi-evergreen to evergreen, with leaf retention depending on winter severity; fully evergreen in zones 8-9, may lose foliage partially in zone 6-7 during severe cold. Hardy to approximately 0°F (-18°C). Susceptible to powdery mildew in humid, poorly ventilated conditions. Does not have the invasive tendencies of vining Lonicera species.
Native Range
Native to southwestern China, primarily Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. Found in mixed forests, scrubland, and rocky slopes at elevations of 3,000-10,000 feet (900-3,000 m) in the mountainous regions of the eastern Himalayas and Sino-Himalayan floristic region.Suggested Uses
Commonly used as a boxwood alternative for formal low hedging, edging, and topiary at 2-3 foot (60-90 cm) spacing. Frequently used in formal gardens and parterre designs. The fine texture and dense habit suit Japanese garden aesthetics. Suitable for containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). Tolerates urban pollution and coastal exposure. Does not have the invasive tendencies associated with vining Lonicera species.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread4' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Colors
Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
Small, creamy-white, tubular flowers approximately 0.3 inches (8 mm) long appear in pairs at leaf axils from May to June. Bloom lasts approximately 2-3 weeks. Flowers are lightly fragrant with a sweet honeysuckle scent. Translucent purple-black berries approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter ripen in September to October, though fruit set is often sparse. Bloom is not the primary ornamental feature; the plant is grown primarily for its foliage texture and form.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade; the densest growth occurs in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light. Water regularly during the first growing season; established plants tolerate moderate drought of 2-3 weeks without supplemental irrigation. Tolerates a wide range of soil pH from 5.5 to 7.5. Mulch with 2 inches (5 cm) of organic material. Powdery mildew may develop on foliage in humid, poorly ventilated sites; improve air circulation through selective thinning of interior branches. Aphids may colonize new growth in spring; dislodge with a strong water spray. In zones 6-7, plant in a sheltered location to reduce winter foliage loss; a south- or west-facing wall provides additional protection.Pruning
Responds well to shearing and is commonly maintained as a formal hedge, topiary, or clipped geometric shape. Prune or shear 2-3 times during the growing season from late spring through mid-summer. The fine branching structure makes it particularly suited to detailed topiary work. Hard rejuvenation pruning to 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) in late winter is tolerated; regrowth fills in within 1-2 growing seasons. Avoid late fall pruning, as new growth is susceptible to winter damage.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummer
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons