Lonicera ligustrina var. yunnanensis 'Red Tips'

RHS Plant Profile
honeysuckle 'Red Tips'

Synonyms

Lonicera nitida 'Red Tips'

Shrubs

A low-growing, dense evergreen shrub about 1m tall, or more, with paired, glossy dark green leaves to 1cm long, the new growth a rich crimson-purple. Pairs of tubular white flowers 1cm long are produced from the leaf axils in spring and may be followed by glossy blue-purple berries

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Lonicera can be deciduous and evergreen shrubs, or climbers with twining stems. The tubular or two-lipped flowers, often very fragrant, are followed by red or black berries
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. See honeysuckle (shrubby) cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 2; trim hedges as necessary from early to late summer

Pests

May be susceptible to honeysuckle aphids, Thrips and glasshouse whitefly

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, fungal leaf spot, silver leaf and honey fungus (rarely)