Species

1 other cultivar

‘Twiggy’Twiggy Box Honeysuckle

shrub RHS Award

Golden Glow Box Honeysuckle

Lonicera nitida 'Golden Glow'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lonicera nitida, or box honeysuckle, is a dense, fast-growing evergreen shrub with tiny, glossy leaves, often used for hedging and topiary as a boxwood substitute.

'Golden Glow' is distinguished by its brilliant chartreuse to golden-yellow new growth, which provides a striking contrast against the mature green inner foliage. The color is best in full sun.

Uses & Benefits:

The bright golden-chartreuse foliage provides a vibrant splash of color year-round. Its fine texture and dense growth habit make it an excellent choice for creating patterns and contrast in the garden.

It is an outstanding and tough substitute for boxwood (Buxus) for creating low hedges, borders, and topiary shapes. It is faster growing and more tolerant of a wide range of conditions than boxwood.

While its flowers are insignificant to humans, they provide some nectar for small pollinators. The dense branches offer shelter for small birds and other wildlife.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

20+ years

Native To

China

Toxicity

Berries mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the pot.
Position the plant so the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Water regularly until established, then it is quite drought tolerant.
Prune as needed to maintain the desired size and formal shape.

Pro Tip

Shear it regularly to maintain a dense, formal shape and encourage the brightest new golden foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune after the initial flush of growth to shape and encourage density.
Plant in full sun for the most vibrant golden foliage color.
Provide good air circulation to keep the plant healthy.
Water deeply but infrequently once established.

Don't

Do not let it become overgrown and woody in the center.
Avoid planting in constantly waterlogged or boggy soil.
Do not hesitate to prune; it responds very well to shearing.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which can cause leggy growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bright low hedge for bordersColorful foundation plantingGolden accent in mixed beds

Companion Plants

Spiraea japonica 'Goldmound'Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy'Heuchera 'Palace Purple'Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii'Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Golden Glow Box Honeysuckle questions

What zones can Golden Glow Box Honeysuckle grow in?

Golden Glow Box Honeysuckle is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Golden Glow Box Honeysuckle deer resistant?

Yes — Golden Glow Box Honeysuckle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Golden Glow Box Honeysuckle bloom?

Golden Glow Box Honeysuckle typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Golden Glow Box Honeysuckle need full sun?

Golden Glow Box Honeysuckle does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Golden Glow Box Honeysuckle drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Golden Glow Box Honeysuckle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.