Lonicera nitida

An evergreen, bushy shrub growing to 2m tall and 2m wide dependant on pruning.

Leaves are dark green, ovate to broadly ovate and produced in pairs. Flowers are tiny, cream and tubular. Most people miss seeing them as they are so small. They are followed by spherical blue-purple glossy berries in summer.

Prefers full sun to semi-shade and humus-rich, fertile, well-drained soil.

Always choose healthy, well-grown plants and plant after autumn rains. Before planting, ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and firm in, water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow-release fertiliser and then every spring apply an organic-based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre as new growth begins.

Apply an organic mulch annually to help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre in spring as new growth begins. Give plants a trim after flowering to keep growth healthy and compact, especially if they are been treated as a hedge. A couple of trims may be called for throughout the growing season to keep the growth in-check.

Generally trouble-free.

Trial Garden