Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Thunderbolt is a shrubby, broadleaf evergreen that has a shocking golden color that lives up to its name. The spreading habit of Lonicera nitida ‘Thunderbolt’ gives it a strong presence that screams to be looked at by your guests. Use this shrub planted in the ground in groups or grown in a container as a specimen, Thunderbolt will boost any spot you put it in.
Honeysuckle shrubs can also be grown as a hedge or clipped into tight topiary shapes. It is a very versatile plant that gives the garden year-round interest and definition.
Thunderbolt Box Honeysuckle Care
Honeysuckle prefers a moist, well drained soil that has moderate nutrition. 5.0-8.0 pH is acceptable. Planting Lonicera in full sun will keep the colors vivid. After Thunderbolt is established it is very drought tolerant and will only need extra irrigation during the hottest of spells.
When Lonicera nitida is grown as a hedge or topiary, regular annual pruning is all that is needed to keep the shape. The best time to clip back broadleaved evergreens is in the middle of summer.
Thunderbolt Box Honeysuckle Spacing
Lonicera nitida is fairly compact in its size. Height of 3-5 feet and width of 3-5 feet. When planted as a hedge the spacing should be 3 feet, center on center. If planted to be grown unclipped, a spacing of 5 feet, center on center, or greater is appropriate.
Thunderbolt® Box Honeysuckle Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Partial Sun (5-6 Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 3-5 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 3-5 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded, Spreading
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , White
- Flower Description
- White
- Bloom Time
- Spring to Summer
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Thunderbolt Box Honeysuckle
- Botanical Name
- LONICERA NITIDA 'THUNDERBOLT'
- Brand
- Bloomin Easy
- Plant Type
- Perennial
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!