Lonicera ligustrina var. yunnanensis, box honeysuckle
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Lonicera ligustrina var. yunnanensis

box honeysuckle

Caprifoliaceae

Southwestern China, primarily Yunnan and Sichuan provinces

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m)
Width4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m)
Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 9
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (light)
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

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

Identified by its dense, compact shrub form with small, opposite, ovate leaves 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) long on thin, wiry stems, creating a fine texture similar to boxwood (Buxus). Distinguished from boxwood by opposite leaf arrangement (shared, so not diagnostic alone), shredding tan bark on older stems, and small paired tubular flowers at leaf axils (boxwood flowers are inconspicuous clusters). Distinguished from other Lonicera species by the shrubby, non-vining habit and the very small leaf size. Foliage lacks the pungent scent of boxwood when crushed.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread4' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

cream
white

Foliage Colors

dark green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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SpringSummer
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

Flower Description

Creamy-white

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

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

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late springsummer

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic