Honeysuckle shrub is a plant that is native to North America. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be six feet tall. The leaves of the plant are opposite each other on the stem and are oval shaped. The flowers of the plant are white and tubular shaped. The fruit of the plant is a blackberry.
Alternative name
- Japanese honeysuckle
- Bush honeysuckle
- Fragrant honeysuckle
- Coral honeysuckle
- Trumpet honeysuckle
Good to Know
- Honeysuckle shrubs are attractive, flowering plants that are popular in gardens and landscapes.
- There are many different species of honeysuckle shrubs, including both deciduous and evergreen varieties.
- Honeysuckle shrubs are relatively easy to grow and care for, and they are tolerant of a range of growing conditions.
- Honeysuckle shrubs produce beautiful, fragrant flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
- The berries of some honeysuckle shrubs are edible and can be used in jams, jellies, and other recipes.
- Some species of honeysuckle shrubs can become invasive if not properly managed.
- Honeysuckle shrubs are susceptible to a range of pests and diseases, but these can generally be controlled with proper care.
- Pruning is generally required to maintain the shape and size of honeysuckle shrubs.
- Honeysuckle shrubs can be propagated from cuttings, divisions, or seed.
- Honeysuckle shrubs can add beauty, color, and interest to any garden or landscape.
Related plant:
Northern Bush Honeysuckle
Planting Process
- For honeysuckle shrub, first step is to purchase a plant that is suited for the area you want to put it in.
- Make sure to purchase a plant that is the right size for the pot or area you have.
- Choose a location that has well-drained soil and gets at least six hours of sunlight a day.
- If you are potting your plant, use a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and has drainage holes in the bottom.
- Fill the pot or planting area with a quality potting mix or garden soil.
- Remove the plant from its pot and loosen any roots that are tightly bound.
- Plant the shrub at the same depth it was in the pot.
- Water the plant well, making sure to saturate the root ball.
- Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant, making sure to keep it away from the trunk.
- Water regularly, especially during the first growing season.
Considering the Soil
About soil condition, a good honeysuckle shrub will have well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be moist but not soggy, and it should be loose enough so that the roots can easily spread out.
Light condition
Not too different with other honeysuckle shrubs, the sun light requirement for this plant is at least six hours of sunlight per day. This shrub can tolerate some shade, but it will produce more flowers if it gets more sun.
The Temperature
The temperature condition of the honeysuckle shrub is very important to its growth. If the temperature is too cold, the shrub will not grow. If the temperature is too hot, the leaves of the shrub will turn brown and fall off.
Humidity Aspect
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%. If the humidity gets too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity gets too high, the leaves will start to turn yellow and drop off.
Fertilizer Requirement
For the fertilizer, this type of plant does best with one that is high in phosphorus. This will help the plant to bloom more flowers. As for the roots, they like to be in moist soil that is well-drained.
Plant Pruning
Pruning is an important part of caring for a honeysuckle shrub. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches. You should also remove any branches that are rubbing against each other. While pruning, be sure to maintain the shrub's natural shape.
The Propagation
Propagation is usually done by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that has not yet flowered. Make sure to use a sharp knife or pruning shears to take your cuttings, and cut just below a node. The node is where the leaves attach to the stem and is usually a slightly different color than the rest of the stem. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant in a pot filled with pre-moistened potting mix. Keep the pot in a bright, indirect light area and water regularly so the soil stays moist but not soggy. New growth should appear within a few weeks, at which point you can transplant your new plant to a larger pot or outdoors.
Plant Growth
Usually, the plant growth rate is between 6 and 12 inches per year. However, some may grow as fast as 24 inches in a year. Fertilizing in early spring will give the plant a boost and help it to achieve its maximum growth potential.
The Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and scale. These problems are most likely to occur in humid or wet conditions. To prevent these problems, it is important to plant the shrub in a well-drained area and to keep the leaves dry.
Basics of Growing
- If you live in an area with cold winters, it's best to wait until spring to plant your honeysuckle shrub.
- Choose a location for your shrub that gets full sun to partial shade.
- Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and adding organic matter such as compost or manure.
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of your shrub.
- Place the shrub in the hole and backfill with soil.
- Water the shrub deeply immediately after planting.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
- Prune your shrub regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it an attractive shape.
- Fertilize your shrub in early spring and again in mid-summer with a balanced fertilizer.
- Watch for pests and diseases and take action
You May Like
- Honeysuckle (lonicera japonica) is native from japan and china. It is a woody, evergreen shrub that can grow to a height of 10 m.
- Lonicera involucrata (twinberry honeysuckle) is native to north america. It is a woody, deciduous shrub that grows to a height of 4 m.
- Lonicera periclymenum (common honeysuckle) is native to europe and asia. It is a woody, deciduous shrub that grows to a height of 4 m.
- Lonicera tatarica (Tatar honeysuckle) is native to eastern europe and asia. It is a woody, deciduous shrub that grows to a height of 4 m.
- Lonicera x bella (bella honeysuckle) is a
Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Honeysuckle
Tecoma capensis (Cape Honeysuckle) | North Carolina Extension
Amur honeysuckle | Mississippi State University Extension Service
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
