Plant Library

Other Names:  Boxleaf Honeysuckle

Description:

Clusters of subtle white flowers appear on this mounded shrub in early summer; violet-blue berries follow; an excellent choice for a shrubby groundcover or as a hedge, takes pruning very well

Ornamental Features

Privet Honeysuckle has attractive green evergreen foliage on a plant with a mounded habit of growth. The glossy oval leaves are highly ornamental and remain green throughout the winter. It features subtle creamy white trumpet-shaped flowers along the branches in mid spring. It produces violet berries from early to mid summer.

Landscape Attributes

Privet Honeysuckle is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a mounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds and butterflies to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Privet Honeysuckle is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover
• Topiary

Planting & Growing

Privet Honeysuckle will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.