Evergreen Shrub – Thunderbolt Box Honeysuckle

Thunderbolt box honeysuckle

Botanical name: lonicera nitida ‘golden glow’ 

Beginner friendly?: moderate 

Average size at maturity:  3-4 ft in height and in spread 

Hardy zone: zones 5-9

Foliage color: green, yellow/gold 

Growth rate: grows about 1 ft per year 

Pruning instructions: prune in the late winter/early spring to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings in the late spring/early summer 

Landscape use: accent plant, hedge, container plant 

Special features: deer and rabbit resistant, drought tolerant, attracts pollinators 

Light needs: 3-5 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top several inches of soil dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a balanced, slow release fertilizer once a year in the early spring as new growth begins to emerge 

Best time to plant: spring or fall

Best type of soil: adaptable to most soils 

Companion plants: boxwoods, azaleas, hostas, lavender 

Toxicity level: toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: no