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Lonicera nitida 'Lemon Beauty'

Image of Lonicera nitida 'Lemon Beauty'

James Burghardt

Family

Caprifoliaceae

Botanical Name

Lonicera nitida 'Lemon Beauty'

Plant Common Name

Box Honeysuckle, Lemon Beauty Box Honeysuckle

General Description

Glowing, evergreen foliage and graceful branching make ‘Lemon Beauty’ a fortunate gift to gardeners from its dark-green ancestor, a shrub native to southwestern China. A dense, mounding, fine-branching shrub, it bears small, leathery, oval to linear green leaves that are outlined by distinctive lemon yellow margins. New stems add a purplish cast. The leaves hang on in mild climates to offer bright color throughout the drab winter months. In a dormant garden this definitely is a highlight. Although ‘Lemon Beauty’ doesn't grow as fast or large as the species, this variety can still tend toward a rangy habit and need pruning for shape.

The small white flowers appear at the end of spring and do not resemble those of traditional honeysuckle vines. They are fragrant bells that hang in pairs and give way to purple berries that ripen in summer and are relished by birds. This shrub is renowned for growing under a wide variety of conditions from heat to cold, moist to dry, and in any soil that is well drained. However, if planted in the open, its leaf color can be damaged by sun scald in the summer. The ideal location offers morning sun and shade in the hot afternoons. This plant is notably tolerant of salt spray and resistant to oak root fungus. It is a great year around color relief that makes a fine single specimen or a stand out accent in a mixed border

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 5

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Bloom Time

    Early Summer

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin, China

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White

  • Fruit Color

    Blue, Purple

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Chartreuse, Lemon Yellow

  • Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Lemon Yellow

  • Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Lemon Yellow, Bronze, Plum

  • Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green, Lemon Yellow, Bronze, Plum

  • Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Bark Color

    Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    No