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Lonicera nitida -
Shrub
 
Part
of the Honeysuckle family, but nothing at all like the fragrant climbing
members of the group. Lonicera nitida is a bushy, evergreen hardy
shrub. It is sometimes known as "poor man's box" a reference to the
fact that while similar to box, it not so neat and formal, but also
considerably faster growing and therefore much cheaper to buy - and
also much quicker to establish as a hedge.
The ordinary
green variety makes a good dense hedge, closer knit and smaller leaved
than privet.
There is
also a yellow-leaved variety called "Baggesen's Gold" that is
slower growing and smaller than the green one. Grow "Baggesen's Gold"
in full sun for the best color, it can be used also as a hedging
plant, or as a useful addition to a mixed border if left to grow informally,
the yellow leaves adding a welcome bright patch.
Height and spread:
3m
x 3m (10ft
x 10ft), 1.5m x 1.5m (5ft x 5ft)
for Baggesen's
Gold
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Position:
full sun or partial
shade, Baggesen's Gold develops the best color in full
sun.
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Soil:
moist, well-drained,
generally unfussy
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Rate of growth:
medium growing
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Hardiness:
fully hardy,
not suitable for very exposed positions
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Uses
- Hedging / mixed border / topiary / container topiary
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Planting distance when
used for hedging
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Clipped height |
Number of times to clip per season and
when |
Responds to renovation? |
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30cm, 12"
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1-1.5m, 3-5ft
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2 - 3 growing season |
Yes |
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Pruning: Specimen
shrubs need minimal pruning. Will grow again from brown wood, so can
be cut back to 15cm, 6" more than final required size in spring (preferably
or at any time in growing season) Complete renovation can be achieved
by cutting the whole plant to within 15cm, 6" of the ground. |
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