Lonicera pileata, box-leaved honeysuckle
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Lonicera pileata

box-leaved honeysuckle

Caprifoliaceae

Central and western China, primarily Hubei, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitSpreading
FoliageEvergreen
Height2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m)
Width4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m)
Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9
Zone 5
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
Maintenancelow

Overview

A low-growing, spreading evergreen shrub reaching 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) tall and 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m) wide, with a strongly horizontal branching pattern. Growth rate is moderate, adding 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) per year, primarily in width. Leaves are opposite, small, ovate to oblong, 0.5-1.25 inches (1.3-3 cm) long and 0.25-0.5 inches (6-13 mm) wide, glossy dark green, and densely arranged along horizontal to slightly arching branches. The horizontal branch layering creates a tiered, spreading silhouette distinct from the more rounded habit of L. ligustrina var. yunnanensis. Small, tubular, creamy-white to pale yellow flowers approximately 0.3 inches (8 mm) long appear in pairs at leaf axils in May. Flowers are lightly fragrant. Fruit is a translucent amethyst-violet to purple berry approximately 0.25 inches (6 mm) in diameter, produced in late summer and often in moderate quantities. Semi-evergreen to evergreen depending on winter severity; fully evergreen in zones 7-9, may lose significant foliage in severe winters in zone 6. Hardy to approximately -5°F (-20°C). Stems root where they contact moist soil, contributing to the spreading habit. Does not exhibit the invasive tendencies of vining Lonicera species. Susceptible to powdery mildew in humid, shaded sites with poor air movement.

Native Range

Native to central and western China, primarily in Hubei, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces. Found in mixed forests, scrubland, and along forest margins at elevations of 2,000-7,000 feet (600-2,100 m) in the mountainous interior regions.

Suggested Uses

Commonly used as a low groundcover, edging, or bank cover at 3-4 foot (0.9-1.2 m) spacing, where the horizontal branching provides weed-suppressing coverage. Suitable for shaded slopes and beneath tree canopies where it competes with tree roots. Frequently used as a low formal hedge at 2-3 foot (60-90 cm) spacing. Tolerates urban pollution and some coastal exposure. Suitable for containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) for low, cascading forms.

How to Identify

Identified by its distinctly horizontal to spreading branching pattern, creating a low, tiered habit 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) tall and substantially wider than tall. Leaves are small, opposite, ovate to oblong, 0.5-1.25 inches (1.3-3 cm) long, glossy dark green. Distinguished from L. ligustrina var. yunnanensis by the lower, more spreading habit and the more prominently horizontal branch architecture. The translucent amethyst-violet berries in late summer are a further distinguishing feature. Distinguished from boxwood by the horizontal branching pattern, slightly longer leaves, and lack of pungent scent when foliage is crushed.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread4' - 8'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

cream
white
pale yellow

Foliage Colors

dark green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
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Spring
Small, creamy-white to pale yellow tubular flowers approximately 0.3 inches (8 mm) long appear in pairs at leaf axils in May. Bloom lasts approximately 2 weeks. Flowers are lightly fragrant. Translucent amethyst-violet to purple berries approximately 0.25 inches (6 mm) in diameter ripen in August to September, often in moderate quantities and persisting for several weeks.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Creamy-white to pale yellow

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Full Shade
Requires 2-8 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

Tolerates full sun to full shade, though the densest growth occurs in sites receiving 4-6 hours of direct sun. Adapts to a wide range of soils from acid to slightly alkaline (pH 5.5-7.5), provided drainage is adequate. Water regularly during the first growing season; established plants tolerate moderate drought of 2-3 weeks. Stems that contact soil will root, aiding in ground coverage but potentially expanding the footprint beyond desired bounds; prune back spreading stems as needed. Powdery mildew may develop in shaded, humid sites with poor air circulation; improve ventilation by thinning interior growth. No serious pest issues.

Pruning

Prune in late spring after flowering to control spread and maintain desired shape. Responds well to shearing for formal edging and low hedging. Remove any upright shoots that break the horizontal form if a ground-hugging habit is desired. Hard rejuvenation pruning to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in late winter is tolerated; regrowth fills in within one to two growing seasons. Prune back rooted stems at the perimeter to control spread.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic