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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
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$70.00 USD
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$91.00 USD
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SKU:bere122-redcrocus
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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
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Botanical NameLonicera nitida ‘Twiggy’
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Common NameBox honeysuckle ‘Twiggy’
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Size & Growth2–3 ft tall × 3–4 ft wide; dense, compact mound; easily kept smaller with light clipping.
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Hardiness ZonesUSDA 6–9 (potentially Zone 5 with winter protection and shelter from drying winds).
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Foliage TypeEvergreen to semi-evergreen; tiny oval leaves are golden yellow in sun and lime-green in partial shade.
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Bloom TimeLate spring; small white flowers are inconspicuous. Occasional purple-black berries in fall if not frequently clipped.
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Growth RateModerate; typically 6–10 inches of extension growth per year in average conditions.
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Light RequirementsFull sun to partial shade; 4–6+ hours sun for best golden color; provide afternoon shade in hot-summer regions.
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Attracts PollinatorsMildly; small spring flowers draw bees if allowed to bloom between clippings.
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Indoor FriendlyNot recommended as a long-term houseplant; thrives outdoors. Can overwinter in a bright, cool sunroom or unheated greenhouse.
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Container FriendlyExcellent in pots and troughs with sharp drainage; responds well to shaping for patio displays.
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Deer ResistantGenerally deer resistant; rarely browsed except in extreme scarcity.
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Pet WarningBerries may be mildly toxic if ingested; discourage pets and children from eating plant parts.
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FragrantNot notably fragrant; blooms are small and subtle.
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Cut FlowerPrimarily grown for foliage and form; sprigs can be clipped for small arrangements and wreaths.
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Grows 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
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Planting 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.
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Soil MoistureKeep evenly moist the first season; once established, moderately drought tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soils.
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Soil TypeWell-drained loam or sandy soils preferred; tolerates light clay if drainage is good. pH 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline).
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HumidityAverage outdoor humidity is ideal. Ensure good air flow in very humid climates to reduce pest pressure.
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Pruning 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.
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Winter 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.
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Planting 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.
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FertilizationFeed 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.
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Special 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.