Timber Press Guide to Gardening in the Pacific Northwest by Carol W. Hall & Norman E. Hall

Author:Carol W. Hall & Norman E. Hall
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Timber Press
Published: 2008-06-24T16:00:00+00:00

Lonicera nitida ‘Baggesen’s Gold’

LONICERA NITIDA ‘BAGGESEN’S GOLD’ (BAGGESEN’S GOLD BOX HONEYSUCKLE)

Origin: Sport of species native to China

Hardiness zones: 7 to 9

Size: 3 ft. (0.9 m) high and wide

Season of interest: Year-round

Exposure: Cool sun to light shade

Soil preference: Fertile; moisture-retentive but well drained

Water needs: Low

Maintenance needs: Low to moderate

Subregions best suited: All

Possible problems: None serious

Evergreen. This unassuming small shrub is a real sweetheart, welcome to add its bright but unobtrusive color and intricate texture to virtually any landscaping situation except hot, dry sun. New growth is an especially attractive buttery yellow; unlike many golden-foliaged shrubs, it remains true deep yellow in winter. It’s particularly effective with heaths and heathers, dwarf conifers, and hebes; it can also be used as a low hedge.

Its stiff stems covered with very small shiny leaves (nitida means “shining”) grow at seemingly random rates, giving the shrub a slightly tousled, pleasingly informal outline. Although it does need yearly pruning to keep long shoots from getting out of hand, its upkeep is nowhere near that of the plain green species, which grows so rampantly it needs pruning two or three times yearly. Shearing does it no harm—it will stubbornly revert to its normal irregular outline—but a lighter touch is more in keeping with its relaxed character.

Its one fault is that like the species, its lowest branches tend to root where they touch ground, sending up very vigorous suckers that can spoil its shape. It’s a good idea to check around the base for suckers during its annual haircut; these can be pulled up and cut off or transplanted elsewhere.

Cool sun brings out the brightest foliage color, but leaves will burn in intense or very hot sun. Established plants are reasonably drought tolerant in cool conditions, but cannot take extended drought or drought combined with high heat. It handles our wet winters with ease (anything short of waterlogged soil) and is an excellent choice for coastal areas, since it takes wind and even salt spray in stride.

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