Lonicera pileata , shrubby honeysuckle.
Lonicera pileata , shrubby honeysuckle.
Lonicera pileata – Shrubby Honeysuckle
Create low-maintenance ground cover or hedging with Lonicera pileata. This low-spreading evergreen shrub is perfect for ground cover, low hedging, and edging. Featuring small, glossy, lance-shaped leaves that create a dense mat of foliage, it produces small tubular cream flowers in late spring followed by attractive purple berries in autumn, providing year-round interest and wildlife value.
Key Features
- Low Spreading Habit: Naturally forms a dense, low mat perfect for ground cover
- Glossy Evergreen Foliage: Small, lance-shaped leaves provide year-round coverage
- Cream Flowers: Small tubular flowers in late spring attract pollinators
- Purple Berries: Attractive berries in autumn provide food for birds
- Low Maintenance: Hardy, disease-resistant, and requires minimal care
- Shade Tolerant: Thrives in shade where other plants struggle
- Versatile: Perfect for ground cover, low hedging, edging, or banks
Growing Information
Ultimate Height: 0.5–1m
Ultimate Spread: 1–2m
Planting Density: 3–5 plants per square metre for ground cover, 3–4 per metre for low hedging
Growth Rate: Moderate
Position: Full sun to full shade
Soil: Well-drained, tolerates most soil types
Hardiness: Fully hardy (H5)
Planting & Care
Plant in spring or autumn in well-drained soil. Lonicera pileata is remarkably adaptable and thrives in sun or shade, making it perfect for difficult shady areas. Space plants 30–40cm apart for ground cover, or 25–30cm apart for low hedging. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring. Trim lightly after flowering if needed to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.
Perfect For
- Ground cover in shady areas
- Low hedging and edging
- Banks and slopes for erosion control
- Under trees where grass won’t grow
- Low-maintenance landscaping
- Wildlife-friendly gardens
- Urban gardens and difficult sites
Couldn't load pickup availability
Low stock: 10 left
More details.
Planting Instructions
Plant in spring or autumn in well-drained soil in full sun to full shade. Lonicera pileata is remarkably adaptable and thrives even in difficult shady areas. Space plants 30–40cm apart (3–5 per square metre) for ground cover, or 25–30cm apart (3–4 per metre) for low hedging.
Water regularly during the first growing season. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring. Trim lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth. Largely pest and disease-free once established.
Size & Specification
Available in 2L and 5L pots. Ultimate height 0.5–1m, ultimate spread 1–2m. Low-spreading, ground-hugging habit. Moderate growth rate. Fully hardy (RHS H5). Fully evergreen.
Delivery & Dispatch
Dispatched within 3–5 working days. Plants are carefully packaged to protect roots and foliage during transit and sent via overnight courier to mainland UK addresses. Please ensure someone is available to receive the delivery.
Wildlife & Ecological Notes
Lonicera pileata is excellent for wildlife. Small tubular cream flowers in late spring attract bees, hoverflies, and other pollinators. The purple berries produced in autumn are taken by blackbirds and other berry-feeding birds. The dense, low evergreen mat provides ground-level shelter and cover for small mammals, insects, and ground-nesting birds.