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Lonicera ligustrina var. yunnanensis

Wilson's honeysuckle

A dense, evergreen shrub, growing to 3.5m tall and 3m wide, with small, ovate, glossy dark-green leaves on arching branches. Tiny cream flowers in spring are followed, in autumn, by sparse, glossy, blue-purple berries

Synonyms
Lonicera nitida
Lonicera pileata var. yunnanensis (Franch.) Rehd.
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Cream Green
Summer Green Purple
Autumn Green Purple
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus

Lonicera can be deciduous and evergreen shrubs, or climbers with twining stems. The tubular or two-lipped flowers, often very fragrant, are followed by red or black berries

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. See honeysuckle (shrubby) cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings from late spring to late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Gravel garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Garden edging
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

If grown as hedging or for topiary, clip any time from spring to autumn; otherwise Pruning group 2

Pests

May be susceptible to honeysuckle aphids, Thrips and glasshouse whitefly

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, fungal leaf spot, silver leaf and honey fungus (rarely)

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