Picks from the ProsEdmee Gold™ Boxleaf Honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida)

This charming little plant came highly recommended by Jerry Brown of Fisher Farms. I was a little worried when someone pointed out an eight-foot Lonicera in a display garden, but absolutely everyone I have talked to says that 'Edmee Gold' stays much, much smaller. As you can see in the photo, this honeysuckle grows layer after layer of golden branches with tiny, delicate leaves.

'Edmee Gold' likes the shade – even deep shade – and moist, well-drained soil. Its lovely color tends to bleach out in full sun. Bright golden evergreen leaves work well as an accent or a tall groundcover under large trees. After eight or ten years it will reach two feet tall and four feet wide, perfect for small gardens or containers. Non-invasive and hardy in Zones 5-8, use 'Edmee Gold' in borders, beds and mixed plantings. This container includes Lonicera 'Edmee Gold,' Hakonechloa macra 'Beni Kaze,' hosta, Solomon's Seal and hellebore along with annual fuschia, begonia, and impatiens.

There is a rumor that the deer are not interested, but aphids might be attracted to it. Find it at Ferguson's Fragrant Nursery, Dennis' Seven Dees, Drake's 7 Dees and Al's Garden Centers in Oregon, or Tsugawa Nursery, Shorty’s Nursery and Molbaks in Washington.