RedCrocus Lonicera nitida 'Twiggy' Box Honeysuckle – Golden Evergreen, Compact Dwarf Shrub for Low Hedges, Edging & Topiary – Live Plant 1 Gallon Nursery Pot

RedCrocus Lonicera nitida 'Twiggy' Box Honeysuckle – Golden Evergreen, Compact Dwarf Shrub for Low Hedges, Edging & Topiary – Live Plant 1 Gallon Nursery Pot

Regular price $70.00 USD
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SKU:bere122-redcrocus

Pot Size

Lonicera nitida ‘Twiggy’

Compact, golden box honeysuckle with fine texture and year-round color
Evergreen Low Hedge / Topiary Container Friendly Deer Resistant Zones 6–9

Chartreuse foliage glows in sun; tighter, smaller habit than the species—excellent boxwood alternative.

Description

Lonicera nitida ‘Twiggy’ is a dwarf selection of box honeysuckle prized for its dense, naturally rounded habit and tiny golden leaves. It forms a neat, low shrub that clips beautifully into hedges, balls, or intricate shapes. Tough and adaptable, it tolerates a wide range of soils and urban conditions, keeping fresh color from spring through winter in mild climates.

Suggested Uses

  • Low edging or knot gardens
  • Small topiary and cloud pruning
  • Foundation and front-of-border
  • Rock gardens and banks
  • Containers and troughs
  • Groundcover massing
  • Urban/coastal gardens
  • Color contrast with dark foliage

Plant Details

  • Botanical name iconBotanical NameLonicera nitida ‘Twiggy’
  • Common name iconCommon NameBox honeysuckle ‘Twiggy’
  • Size and growth iconSize & Growth2–3 ft tall × 3–4 ft wide; dense, compact mound; easily kept smaller with light clipping.
  • Hardiness zones iconHardiness ZonesUSDA 6–9 (potentially Zone 5 with winter protection and shelter from drying winds).
  • Foliage type iconFoliage TypeEvergreen to semi-evergreen; tiny oval leaves are golden yellow in sun and lime-green in partial shade.
  • Bloom time iconBloom TimeLate spring; small white flowers are inconspicuous. Occasional purple-black berries in fall if not frequently clipped.
  • Growth rate iconGrowth RateModerate; typically 6–10 inches of extension growth per year in average conditions.
  • Light requirements iconLight RequirementsFull sun to partial shade; 4–6+ hours sun for best golden color; provide afternoon shade in hot-summer regions.
  • Attracts pollinators iconAttracts PollinatorsMildly; small spring flowers draw bees if allowed to bloom between clippings.
  • Indoor friendly iconIndoor FriendlyNot recommended as a long-term houseplant; thrives outdoors. Can overwinter in a bright, cool sunroom or unheated greenhouse.
  • Container friendly iconContainer FriendlyExcellent in pots and troughs with sharp drainage; responds well to shaping for patio displays.
  • Deer resistant iconDeer ResistantGenerally deer resistant; rarely browsed except in extreme scarcity.
  • Pet warning iconPet WarningBerries may be mildly toxic if ingested; discourage pets and children from eating plant parts.
  • Fragrant iconFragrantNot notably fragrant; blooms are small and subtle.
  • Cut flower iconCut FlowerPrimarily grown for foliage and form; sprigs can be clipped for small arrangements and wreaths.
  • Grows well with iconGrows Well WithGrows Well With Heuchera (dark-leaved), Nepeta, Lavender, Salvia, Ajuga, Blue fescue (Festuca glauca), compact Pittosporum, and dwarf conifers.
Note: Color and size vary with light, soil, and pruning frequency. In colder winters, plants may bronze or partially defoliate, then re-leaf in spring.

Care Tips

  • Planting instructions iconPlanting InstructionsPlant in spring or fall. Dig a hole 2× the width of the root ball and equal depth; set the crown level with soil. Backfill, firm gently, water well, and mulch 2–3 in. Space 24–36 in apart for a low hedge.
  • Soil moisture iconSoil MoistureKeep evenly moist the first season; once established, moderately drought tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soils.
  • Soil type iconSoil TypeWell-drained loam or sandy soils preferred; tolerates light clay if drainage is good. pH 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline).
  • Humidity iconHumidityAverage outdoor humidity is ideal. Ensure good air flow in very humid climates to reduce pest pressure.
  • Pruning iconPruning InstructionsClip lightly 1–3× per season to maintain shape. For renewal, remove up to a quarter of the oldest stems at the base in late winter/early spring. Delay first shear until after spring bloom if berries/pollinators are desired.
  • Winter care iconWinter CareMulch roots in late fall; water during dry spells before ground freezes. In zones 6–7, provide wind protection; foliage may bronze but recovers in spring.
  • Planting depth iconPlanting DepthSet at the same depth as in the nursery pot; do not bury the stem or root flare. In containers, keep the root flare just at soil level.
  • Fertilization iconFertilizationFeed once in early spring with a balanced, slow‑release fertilizer (e.g., 8‑8‑8 or 10‑10‑10) or top-dress with compost. Avoid high nitrogen after midsummer.
  • Special care iconSpecial CareVery tolerant of shearing and urban conditions. Monitor for aphids, scale, or spider mites in heat; rinse foliage and treat promptly if needed. Best leaf color with morning sun and consistent moisture.
Cultivar notes: ‘Twiggy’ features tighter internodes and brighter foliage than the species, making it a superb boxwood alternative in many regions.
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