Thunderbolt Box Honeysuckle

Light Needs

Partial Sun

(5-6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-5 Feet

Mature Spread

3-5 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 9

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.