Lonicera nitida Scoop - Box Honeysuckle

Lonicera nitida Scoop, also known as boxleaf honeysuckle, is a new selection characterized by its compact ball-shaped habit. This evergreen and bushy shrub is easy to grow and has moderate growth, reducing the need for pruning to maintain a harmonious shape. Its small, shiny dark green leaves make it particularly interesting for creating low hedges or topiaries. It adapts to any well-drained soil and is suitable for all exposures.

Lonicera nitida belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family and is native to the Chinese provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan. It is very easy to grow and hardy. The Scoop boxleaf honeysuckle, has a dense and bushy ball-shaped habit and slower growth than the species, reducing the need for pruning. Its small, tough evergreen leaves are dark green and glossy. If not pruned, it develops slender and flexible branches, giving it a slightly tousled appearance - which is quite charming! The small cream-white flowers, without much appeal, appear in spring. The small purple fruits, toxic but loved by birds, are rarely observed in cultivation.

The Scoop boxleaf honeysuckle is primarily valued for its foliage and will be very useful as an interesting alternative to boxwood due to its faster growth and healthier leaves. It can be shaped into topiaries or planted in containers on a terrace. Plant Lonicera nitida Scoop in a well-drained, deep, and moist soil, even if it's alkaline, in partial shade or light sun. It tolerates severe pruning, which should be done just after winter or after flowering. It also withstands air pollution well and can tolerate moderate drought once established.