Hedge Honeysuckle bonsai care

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Originating from China, Hedge honeysuckles (also known as box honeysuckle or boxleaf honeysuckle) are hardy, semi-evergreen trees that only reach a few feet in height.

These trees have a thick trunk and have light, fawn-colored bark that peels off in strips, revealing a smooth, light-colored underbark.

As a result of this peeling habit, they appear quite old at a young age.

The tree produces dense foliage. The tree has vigorous growth, small shiny evergreen leaves (dark green above and lighter beneath) and fragrant white flowers (appearing in spring). These flowers are followed by small and dark-colored berries that often go unnoticed.

Is honeysuckle good for bonsai?

Although honeysuckles are mostly known for their climbing habit and perfumed flowers, there are also some shrubby species that are well suited to making a small and medium-sized bonsai tree.

However, it should be noted that these shrubs are dense and have an erect and stiff growth habit. Hence, making and maintaining a honeysuckle bonsai tree will require some expertise.

Furthermore, young honeysuckle bonsai are ideal for making ‘mame‘ (miniature bonsai).

What is the best honeysuckle for bonsai?

The most suitable honeysuckle tree for Bonsai is probably Lonicera nitida (Hedging honeysuckle – a dwarf variety used mostly as hedges). Small leaves, rampant growth, lovely aged bark, and thick hedging materials make this a very good bonsai specimen. This tree is also suitable for carving driftwood. It also has a golden variety called Lonicera nitida ‘Baggesen’s Gold’ (gold-colored boxleaf honeysuckle). This golden variety has gold and orange-yellow hues in its deep green leaves.

It is popular with amateur enthusiasts. You can also source an older Lonicera nitida specimen with a thick trunk from hedges and gardens where they have been growing for a long time.

Another species of honeysuckle which can be used to make a bonsai is Lonicera Pileata – privet honeysuckle.

Read more about other bonsai trees species in : Types of bonsai tree

Best location to keep Hedge Honeysuckle bonsai tree

It can be kept in full sun for the majority of the growing season. But protect it from very hot direct sun and place it in a cool location with partial shade when the summers get too hot.

The species is native to the southwestern part of China, and although it is usually hardy, if there is a forecast of prolonged periods of freezing weather, the bonsai container should be relocated to a frost-free greenhouse or shed.

If winter protection is not given, the tree will lose most of its foliage. However, new foliage will be regenerated in the spring.

IMP: Refer to do bonsai trees need sunlight for more indoor and outdoor bonsai location ideas. Also, refer sunlight requirements for indoor plants for more indoor gardening ideas.

Propagation of Hedge Honeysuckle bonsai tree

Hedging honeysuckle tree can be propagated by semi-hardwood stem cuttings.

Watering Hedge Honeysuckle bonsai tree

You should water the hedging honeysuckle bonsai regularly throughout the growing season so that the soil does not dry out.

If the rootball becomes too dry, the leaves will drop. Also, avoid waterlogging the soil as these bonsai trees are very sensitive to waterlogged soil.

During the winter, it is important to keep the compost just moist.

Read watering bonsai tree for more details.

Wiring Hedge Honeysuckle bonsai tree

In terms of training, this species does not really require the use of wires at all, as all the training can be achieved by pruning. Clip and grow method is used for shaping of honeysuckle bonsai tree.

But you can still wire the tree if you wish to.

I would recommend that you allow one new bud to grow unchecked until the branch is thick enough to be wired. It is possible to achieve this in one growing season.

Wires on fine, young branches should be removed before winter.

Read : Detailed guide on How to wire a bonsai. This guide will also tell you what precautions to take while wiring.

Pruning Hedge Honeysuckle bonsai tree

When to prune Hedge Honeysuckle bonsai tree?

How to prune Hedge Honeysuckle bonsai tree?

Lonicera nitida, like all hedging plants, grows rapidly and regular pruning is very important to maintain the bonsai’s shape and style.

There is a constant need to pinch out the tips of new shoots during the growing season.

While hard pruning can be done at any time of the year, summer is the best time to do it since cuts heal quickly. The main trunk can be cut back if necessary.

Complete defoliation of the tree is not required for this tree. But a considerable amount if thinning will be required on this tree, particularly of fine dead twigs.

Lonicera is prone to fungal infections, so seal any branch and root wounds well.

Read how to prune a bonsai to know about the right technique of pruning and more about defoliating a bonsai tree.

Repotting Hedge Honeysuckle bonsai tree

When to repot Hedge Honeysuckle bonsai tree?

A hedge honeysuckle bonsai tree can be repotted every two years. Early spring is a good time to repot the tree.

Ensure that the bonsai soil is free-draining and moisture-retentive.

You can use a mix of sand, loam and peat moss (or garden compost) in the ratio 1:1:1

A decorative glazed soft-edged pot complements a honeysuckle bonsai tree. (Deep blue colored glazed pot in particular)

Please check out how to repot a bonsai to know everything about repotting and root pruning a bonsai.

Must Read: Bonsai Soil Recipes

Must read : Choosing the right bonsai container

Feeding Hedge Honeysuckle bonsai tree

In the spring, summer, and winter, apply a general fertilizer.

Read more about bonsai fertilizer and its application.

Diseases and pest of Hedge Honeysuckle bonsai tree

Aphids are the only pests that are likely to attack these trees. In case you can’t pick off the pests manually, use a systemic insecticide.

Leaf, stem, and even the tree can be destroyed by silverleaf. Prune back to healthy part. All affected parts should be removed and burned.

Our comprehensive guide: How to identify and treat bonsai pests and diseases is a great resource for you to see all the organic and inorganic remedies you can use.