Lonicera Hedging, also known as Lonicera nitida, Box Leaf Honeysuckle and shrubby honeysuckle, is a dense, evergreen hedging species which is ideal for topiary and formal hedges, and is a great alternative to Box hedging.
Choose from our most popular varieties of Lonicera Hedging plants, available in a range of sizes and root types.
Box Leaf Honeysuckle Hedge is a dense, fast growing species with small glossy green leaves, scented white flowers in the spring and purple berries in the autumn. Ideal for formal hedges and topiary.
Growth rate: Fast 30-60cm per year
Overall height: Small up to 3 metres
Position: Sheltered, Full Sun, Full Shade, Exposed, Coastal
Root Types: Bare Root, Instant Hedging, Pot Grown
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Lonicera Hedging is characterised by its small, glossy, dark green leaves that remain on the plant throughout the year, providing year-round interest and privacy.
This resilient hedging plant is not only attractive but also hardy, withstanding a variety of soil types and environmental conditions.
Lonicera nitida, the species commonly used for Lonicera Hedging, is native to China. It was introduced to Europe and other parts of the world as a horticultural plant due to its adaptability and appealing aesthetic qualities.
The plant thrives in temperate climates and has become a favourite among gardeners and landscapers for its versatility and ease of maintenance. Lonicera nitida is also known as 'shrubby honeysuckle' and 'Wilson's honeysuckle'.
Lonicera Hedging is available in various forms, including bare root, for flexibility in planting.
Lonicera Hedges offer numerous benefits that make them a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers alike. One of their most notable features is their rapid growth rate, which allows them to quickly establish and fill out, creating a dense and attractive barrier. Lonicera nitida is often referred to as a 'honeysuckle hedge' due to its dense foliage and rapid growth.
This makes them particularly useful for creating a very dense hedge that serves as an effective privacy screen or windbreak in a short amount of time. Additionally, Lonicera Hedges are relatively low-maintenance; they respond well to frequent pruning and can be easily shaped into various forms, making them suitable for both formal and informal garden designs.
Their adaptability to different soil types and their resistance to pests and diseases further add to their appeal, making them a reliable and versatile option for a variety of landscaping needs.
When planting Lonicera Hedge Plants, it is important to choose a well-drained site that receives plenty of sunlight, although they can also tolerate partial shade. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as hedge plant compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
Lonicera Hedge Plants are available as instant hedging and pot grown plants, providing flexibility for different planting needs.
For best results, plant Lonicera Hedge Plants during the cooler months of autumn or early spring. Space the plants approximately 30-45 cm apart to allow enough room for growth while ensuring a dense hedge. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and deep enough to accommodate the roots without overcrowding them. Once planted, water the plants thoroughly to help them establish.
To promote healthy growth, regularly check the soil moisture and water the hedges during dry spells. It is also beneficial to apply a balanced hedge fertiliser in the growing season to encourage vigorous growth. Regular pruning is essential to maintain the desired shape and prevent the hedge from becoming unruly. Trim the hedges after the flowering period to keep them tidy and promote new growth.
Lonicera Hedging is renowned for its impressive growth rates, which can range from 30 cm to 60 cm per year under optimal conditions. This rapid growth rate allows gardeners to achieve their desired hedge height and density more quickly compared to many other hedging species.
However, it is important to manage this growth with regular pruning to maintain a neat and structured appearance. The quick establishment of Lonicera Hedge Plants not only provides quicker visual results but also offers functional benefits such as effective wind and noise reduction, along with enhanced privacy.
While Lonicera Hedging is generally resistant to many common pests and diseases, it is still important to remain vigilant. Aphids and scale insects can occasionally be a problem and should be managed promptly to prevent damage.
Regular inspection and the use of appropriate control measures, such as insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, can help keep these pests at bay. Additionally, ensuring good air circulation by not planting the hedges too closely together can reduce the risk of fungal infections such as powdery mildew and leaf spot.
By maintaining good horticultural practices, you can ensure your Lonicera Hedges remain healthy and vibrant throughout the year.
The ideal time to plant Lonicera Hedging is during the cooler months of autumn to early spring, before the growing season begins. This timing allows the hedges to establish their root systems in the cooler, moist soil, giving them a strong start before the warmer weather promotes vigorous top growth.
Planting during these times also reduces the stress on the plants, as they are not contending with high temperatures and drought conditions, which can be more challenging for newly planted hedges.
By planting in autumn or early spring, you can take advantage of the natural rainfall, which helps to keep the soil adequately moist and supports healthy root development.
Please refer to our plant spacing chart below for the correct distances to space your Lonicera hedge plants.
Lonicera Hedging is quite adaptable and can thrive in a variety of soil types. It performs best in well-drained soils with a good mix of organic matter. Sandy, loamy, and clay soils are all suitable, provided they don’t become waterlogged. When it comes to soil pH, Lonicera Hedging is fairly flexible, tolerating both slightly acidic and slightly alkaline conditions.
Positioning is also important for the successful growth of Lonicera Hedge Plants. While they prefer full sun, they are also capable of growing in partial shade. Ensuring they receive at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily will help maintain their lush, dense foliage. Careful consideration of the site’s exposure to wind is also beneficial, as these hedges can serve effectively as windbreaks once established.
To sum up, selecting the right soil type and position for your Lonicera Hedge Plants will greatly contribute to their overall health, growth, and visual appeal. Proper preparation and thoughtful planning will help ensure a robust and attractive hedge that serves your landscaping needs for years to come. Additionally, shrubby honeysuckle hedging is popular for its adaptability to various soil types and positions.
Regular watering is essential, particularly during the first year after planting while the plants are establishing their root systems. During this period, ensure the soil remains consistently moist. As the hedges mature, they will become more drought-tolerant, though occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells is still beneficial.
Lonicera nitida produces purple berries and purple blue berries in the autumn, adding to its year-round interest.
Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Organic mulch such as bark chips or compost is ideal, as it will also improve the soil’s fertility as it breaks down. Apply a layer approximately 2-3 inches thick, making sure to keep it away from the trunks to avoid rot.
Healthy Lonicera Hedges also benefit from an annual application of balanced fertiliser in the spring, which supports vigorous growth and vibrant foliage. Routine inspections and prompt action against any pests or diseases will ensure your hedges remain in prime condition.
By adhering to these watering and maintenance guidelines, you can cultivate strong, healthy Lonicera Hedges that are both beautiful and functional in your garden.
Pruning Lonicera Hedges is a crucial aspect of their care, as it ensures they maintain a tidy appearance and promotes healthy growth. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring, just before the new growth season starts. This timing allows the plants to heal swiftly and take advantage of the growing period to fill out. Use sharp, clean tools to make precise cuts and avoid damaging the plant tissue.
Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. These can be identified by their discoloured or shrivelled appearance. Cutting back these parts prevents potential pathogens from spreading. Next, thin out any overcrowded branches to improve air circulation within the hedge, which helps in reducing the risk of fungal infections. Aim for a well-balanced shape by making cuts just above outward-facing buds to encourage a denser, bushier growth.
Periodic trimming throughout the growing season can help maintain the desired shape and size of your Lonicera Hedge. By staying on top of pruning and care, you will ensure that your hedges remain a magnificent addition to your garden, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits for many years to come.
Newly planted Lonicera Hedges should be watered regularly to ensure the soil remains consistently moist,, especially during the first year while the plants are establishing their root systems. Mature hedges are more drought-tolerant but still benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells.
The best time to plant Lonicera Hedging is during the cooler months of autumn to early spring, before the growing season begins. This timing allows the roots to establish in the cool, moist soil, providing a strong start for vigorous growth in the warmer months.
Refer to the Lonicera hedge spacing chart provided above for specific distances. Generally, planting them too closely can reduce air circulation, increasing the risk of fungal infections, while planting them too far apart may delay the formation of a dense hedge.
Lonicera Hedges are quite adaptable and can thrive in various soil types. They perform best in well-drained soil with a good mix of organic matter. They tolerate sandy, loamy, and clay soils and can handle both slightly acidic and slightly alkaline conditions.
The ideal time for pruning Lonicera Hedges is in late winter or early spring, just before the new growth season starts. This allows the plants to heal quickly and benefit from the upcoming growing period to fill out and maintain a tidy appearance.
