Plant Profile: Lonicera ligustrina var. yunnanensis

Boxleaf Honeysuckle is a shrub native to China, valued mainly for its visually appealing foliage and elegantly arching branches. The stems are layered, creating a distinctive haystack appearance. While it can be shaped into topiary, it tends to grow rapidly after pruning, necessitating regular trimming to keep its shape and size in check. When cultivated as a hedge, it requires trimming twice during the summer months.

In the southern regions of its habitat, Boxleaf Honeysuckle can be either evergreen or semi-evergreen, with its leaves taking on bronze or plum hues in winter. Once established, it demonstrates resilience to both salt and drought. This plant thrives in various light conditions, although in warmer areas, it should be shielded from the intense afternoon sun to avoid leaf burn.