Lonicera Hedge Plants
Evergreen hedging

Lonicera Hedge Plants

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Lonicera hedging, also known as Box Leaf Honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida) or shrubby honeysuckle, is a dense evergreen hedging species with small, glossy green leaves. It is ideal for formal hedges, low garden boundaries and topiary, and makes a useful alternative to Box hedging.

Open the product below to compare sizes, root types and prices. Its quick growth helps the hedge fill out, but regular clipping is needed to keep a neat, formal shape.

Choosing and planting your Lonicera hedge

Choose a starting size and root type to suit your budget and planting plans. These are all Box Leaf Honeysuckle plants; the differences are how they are supplied and how much hedge you start with. Use the spacing for the exact option you choose.

Bare-root, pot-grown or instant Lonicera?

Bare-root plants are a practical choice for longer hedge runs during their seasonal planting window. Prepare the ground before delivery and keep the exposed roots moist until planted. Check the product page for the dispatch period before ordering.

Pot-grown plants give more flexibility over planting time. The listed sizes include smaller 15–20cm plants and larger 30–40cm plants. Compare the pot size as well as the height, and water the root ball thoroughly before planting.

Instant hedging is a more established format sold by the metre, rather than an individual small plant. The 60–70cm option is retained in the spacing table below as a reference; check its current availability on the product page.

Lonicera hedge spacing and plants per metre

Use the recommendation for the size and root type you are buying. One general spacing does not suit all of these options. The distances below are approximate centre-to-centre spacing for individual plants; instant hedging is measured by its supplied length.

Plant size and formatQuantity per metreApproximate spacing
Bare root, 20–30cm6 plants17cm
Instant hedging, 60–70cm1 metre of hedging1 metre of supplied length
Pot grown, 15–20cm4 plants25cm
Pot grown, 30–40cm, 3 litre pot3 plants33cm
Pot grown, 30–40cm, 5 litre pot3 plants33cm

This is a spacing guide, not a stock list. Check the selected option on the Box Leaf Honeysuckle product page for its current specification, planting density, price and availability.

Suitable soils and positions

Lonicera grows in full sun or partial shade and suits sandy, loamy or clay soil that drains adequately. It tolerates slightly acidic and slightly alkaline conditions. Avoid ground that stays waterlogged, and leave room to reach both sides of a formal hedge for clipping.

Planting and establishing your hedge

Clear weeds from the hedge line and loosen compacted ground before planting. A suitable hedge planting compost can improve poor soil, but deal with persistent drainage problems before planting. Make enough room for the roots to sit naturally, firm the soil gently and water thoroughly.

Watch soil moisture closely through the first year. A layer of organic mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds; keep it clear of the stems. Where feeding is needed, apply a suitable hedge fertiliser according to its instructions rather than using extra feed to compensate for drought or waterlogging.

Helpful answers

Lonicera hedging questions

01What is Lonicera nitida hedging?

Lonicera nitida is the evergreen shrub commonly called Box Leaf Honeysuckle, shrubby honeysuckle or Wilson's honeysuckle. Originally from China, it has small, glossy green leaves and responds well to clipping into formal hedges and topiary. This is a shrubby honeysuckle, not a climbing plant. Small spring flowers may be followed by blue-purple autumn berries, although frequent clipping can reduce flowering and fruiting.

02How fast does a Lonicera hedge grow?

Lonicera nitida can put on around 30–60cm of growth per year in good conditions. Water, soil, light and establishment affect the actual rate, so a newly planted hedge may make less top growth initially. Its quick growth is useful for filling gaps, but a formal hedge needs regular trimming to stay tidy.

03When is the best time to plant Lonicera hedging?

Autumn and spring are often convenient planting times because cooler weather makes watering easier to manage. Bare-root plants must be planted within their seasonal supply window. Pot-grown Lonicera can be planted at other times of year when the ground is workable and watering is available. Avoid frozen or waterlogged ground, and check the dispatch details for your selected plants.

04How close together should I plant Lonicera hedge plants?

Follow the size-specific spacing table above and the recommendation for your selected product option. The listed 20–30cm bare-root plants use 6 plants per metre, the 15–20cm pot-grown plants use 4 per metre, and the 30–40cm pot-grown plants use 3 per metre. Instant hedging is sold by the metre, not counted as individual small plants.

05When should I prune shrubby honeysuckle hedges?

For a formal Lonicera hedge, clip lightly between spring and autumn as growth requires, usually two or three times during the growing season. This differs from hard renovation of an overgrown hedge, which is better left until late winter or early spring. Remove dead or damaged growth as needed, use clean, sharp tools and check for active bird nests before cutting. Leave occupied sections undisturbed.

06How often should I water newly planted Lonicera hedging?

Check the root area regularly, especially during the first year and in dry or windy weather. Water thoroughly when the soil is beginning to dry, keeping the roots moist without leaving the ground saturated. The amount and frequency depend on the weather and soil, rather than a fixed daily routine. Established hedges are more drought-tolerant but may still need water during prolonged dry spells.

Lonicera nitida problems, pests and diseases

Lonicera is generally straightforward to grow, but it is not free from pests or diseases. Aphids, powdery mildew and fungal leaf spot can occur. Inspect the foliage and growing conditions before choosing a treatment rather than spraying as a routine precaution.

With yellowing, browning or weak growth, start by checking soil moisture, drainage and how well the roots are establishing. Keep weeds under control, avoid saturated soil and maintain reasonable air circulation. Our Lonicera care guide explains how to investigate these problems and care for the hedge afterwards.

Lonicera nitida hedging plants
Helpful next steps

Lonicera care and growing advice

Lonicera hedging - Box leaf honeysuckle hedgeCare GuideLonicera planting, spacing and pruning guidePractical UK advice for planting, spacing, watering, feeding, pruning and maintaining Lonicera nitida hedging, including root-type care and common problems.Read care guide