Lonicera ligustrina var. yunnanensis 'Baggesen's Gold', Golden box honeysuckle
1 / 3
Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Lonicera ligustrina var. yunnanensis 'Baggesen's Gold'

Golden box honeysuckle

Caprifoliaceae

Species native to southwestern China (Yunnan, Sichuan); cultivar selected in Kent, England

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 cultivar of Lonicera ligustrina var. yunnanensis forming a dense, rounded to arching 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. This cultivar is distinguished from the species type by its golden-yellow to chartreuse foliage. Leaves are opposite, small, ovate, 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) long, emerging bright golden-yellow in spring and summer in full sun, becoming more chartreuse-green in partial shade. In winter, foliage often develops yellow-green to olive tones, less vivid than the summer coloring. Stems are thin and wiry with a slightly arching habit, giving the plant a softer silhouette than the more rigid species type. Small, tubular, creamy-white flowers approximately 0.3 inches (8 mm) long appear in pairs at leaf axils in May to June, with a light, sweet fragrance. Fruit is a small, translucent purple-black berry approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter, produced sparsely. Semi-evergreen to evergreen depending on winter severity; fully evergreen in zones 8-9, may lose partial foliage in zones 6-7 during severe cold. Hardy to approximately 0°F (-18°C). Foliage color intensity varies with light exposure: full sun produces the brightest golden tones, while heavy shade results in lime-green to chartreuse foliage with less yellow saturation. Branches that revert to green foliage should be removed.

Native Range

The species Lonicera ligustrina var. yunnanensis is native to southwestern China, primarily Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, found on mountain slopes and in scrubland at 3,000-10,000 feet (900-3,000 m) elevation. The cultivar 'Baggesen's Gold' was selected by the Baggesen Nursery in Pembury, Kent, England.

Suggested Uses

Commonly used as a golden-foliage accent in mixed borders, as formal or informal hedging at 2-3 foot (60-90 cm) spacing, and for topiary. Provides foliage color contrast when planted adjacent to dark green or purple-leaved shrubs. Suitable for containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). Tolerates urban pollution and coastal exposure.

How to Identify

Distinguished from the green-leaved species type by its bright golden-yellow to chartreuse foliage, which is the dominant ornamental feature. Leaves are small, opposite, ovate, 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) long on thin, wiry stems. The golden coloring is most intense in full sun in spring and summer; shaded plants display chartreuse to lime-green tones. Distinguished from golden-leaved boxwood cultivars (Buxus sempervirens 'Aurea') by opposite leaf arrangement (same in both), but the thinner, more wiry stems, arching habit, and lack of the pungent boxwood scent when foliage is crushed are differentiating features.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

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

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

cream
white

Foliage Colors

golden yellow
chartreuse
lime green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
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 2-3 weeks. Flowers are lightly fragrant with a sweet honeysuckle scent. Fruit set is sparse: translucent purple-black berries approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) across ripen in September to October. The foliage color, not the bloom, is the primary ornamental feature.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Creamy-white

Foliage Description

Golden-yellow to chartreuse in sun; lime-green in shade; yellow-green to olive in winter

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 full sun for the brightest golden foliage color; in partial shade, foliage develops chartreuse to lime-green tones with less yellow saturation. Tolerates a wide range of soil types and pH from 5.5 to 7.5. Water regularly during the first growing season; established plants tolerate moderate dry periods of 2-3 weeks. Mulch with 2 inches (5 cm) of organic material. Remove any branches that revert to all-green foliage at their point of origin, as reverted shoots are more vigorous. Powdery mildew may develop in humid, poorly ventilated locations; improve air circulation through selective thinning. Aphids may colonize new growth in spring. In zones 6-7, site in a sheltered position to reduce winter foliage loss.

Pruning

Responds well to shearing and is commonly maintained as formal hedging or topiary. Prune or shear 2-3 times during the growing season from late spring through mid-summer to maintain dense shape and encourage the production of colorful new growth. Hard rejuvenation pruning to 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) in late winter is tolerated; regrowth fills in within 1-2 growing seasons. Remove any all-green reverted branches at their point of origin at any time of year. Avoid late fall pruning.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummer

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic
Lonicera ligustrina var. yunnanensis 'Baggesen's Gold' (Golden box honeysuckle) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef