Lonicera nitida (Wilson's honeysuckle)

Botanical name

Lonicera nitida

Other names

Wilson's honeysuckle, Boxleaf honeysuckle

Genus

Lonicera Lonicera

Species

L. nitida - L. nitida is a dense, bushy, evergreen shrub with ovate to broadly ovate, glossy, dark green leaves, lighter beneath. Tubular, creamy white flowers borne in the leaf axils in spring are followed by glossy, purple-blue fruit.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Bushy, Dense

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Colour

Flower

Cream in Spring

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest-free.

Specific diseases

Powdery mildew

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 2.

Propagation

Sow seeds in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe.

Propagation methods

Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Lonicera nitida (Wilson's honeysuckle) will reach a height of 3.5m and a spread of 3m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Coastal, Cottage/Informal, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Lonicera nitida (Wilson's honeysuckle)

Common pest name

European cherry fruit fly

Scientific pest name

Rhagoletis cerasi

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Fruit fly pest of cherry and honeysuckle; widely distributed in Europe and also present in North America and Asia. No evidence of establishment in the UK to date despite repeated interceptions; but honeysuckle and cherry growers may wish to be aware and monitor for its presence.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/