How to Grow Lonicera Hedge - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Lonicera hedge is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub that is perfect for creating privacy or hiding unsightly views. It has dark green foliage that is tinged with purple, and small, white flowers that appear in late spring. lonicera hedge is easy to care for and is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions.

How to Grow Lonicera Hedge - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • honeysuckle
  • woodbine
  • bindweed
  • morning glory
  • convolvulus

Good to Know

  • Lonicera hedge is a shrub that can grow up to six feet tall.
  • It has dark green leaves and produces small white flowers.
  • Lonicera hedge is an evergreen shrub, meaning it will keep its leaves all year round.
  • It is a fast-growing shrub, so it is perfect for quick hedges.
  • Lonicera hedge is relatively easy to care for and does not require much pruning.
  • It is salt-tolerant, so it can be used in seaside gardens.
  • Lonicera hedge is drought-tolerant, so it is perfect for hot, dry climates.
  • It is also deer-resistant, so it can be used in areas where deer are a problem.
  • Lonicera hedge is a good choice for privacy hedges as it grows densely.
  • It can be used in both formal and informal gardens.

Related plant:
Lonicera Nitida Baggesen's Gold

How to Grow

  1. For lonicera hedge, first step is to take a cutting from a healthy plant.
  2. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node.
  3. Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving two or three leaves at the top.
  4. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone.
  5. Fill a pot with a well-draining growing medium such as perlite or vermiculite.
  6. Make a hole in the growing medium with your finger and insert the stem.
  7. Gently firm the medium around the stem.
  8. Water the potting medium well and place the pot in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight.
  9. Keep the potting medium moist but not soggy.
  10. New growth should appear in four to six weeks. Once the new growth is several inches long, you can transplant the lonicera hedge to its permanent location.

Related plant:
Lonicera Lemon Beauty

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the best soil for a Lonicera hedge is a moist but well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. The soil should be kept moist during the growing season, but it should not be soggy. A Lonicera hedge will tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, but it will do best in a rich, loamy soil.

Light condition

Similar to other plants, the lonicera hedge needs plenty of sun to grow and stay healthy. If you want your hedge to thrive, make sure to plant it in an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day. This will ensure that your hedge gets the light it needs to produce the energy it needs to grow.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for a Lonicera hedge is one that is cool and humid. This means that the plant will not be exposed to excessive heat or direct sunlight. The plant will also need to be kept moist, so it is necessary to water it regularly.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. The plant will do well in sandy, loamy, or clay soils, as long as the soil is well-drained. This hedge can tolerate some drought once it is established. It is a good idea to mulch the base of the plants to help retain moisture.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, this type of plant is pretty easygoing. A moderate dose of annual fertilizer will suffice. As for the roots, they are known to be quite aggressive, so make sure to plant this hedge in an area where its roots will have plenty of room to spread.

About light

Pruning a lonicera hedge is a simple process that can be done in early spring or late fall. The best time to prune is just before new growth begins in spring. You can prune up to one-third of the growth without damaging the plant.

The Propagation

Propagation is best done in late winter or early spring. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that is at least 6 inches long. Strip the lower leaves off the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and water thoroughly. Place the pot in a bright, warm location out of direct sunlight and keep the soil moist. Cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is fast, allowing the plant to achieve its mature height in just a few years. Some varieties can grow up to 3 feet per year. The rate of growth is determined by the age and health of the plant, as well as the growing conditions. The best time to plant a lonicera hedge is in the spring or fall. This will give the plant the entire growing season to become established before the winter.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are overgrowth and lack of sunlight. If you have these problems, you need to take action to correct them. Overgrowth can be caused by too much nitrogen in the soil. This can be corrected by adding organic matter to the soil. Lack of sunlight can be caused by shade from trees or buildings. You can correct this by trimming the trees or moving the hedge to a sunnier location.

Growing Tips

  • Make sure to choose a planting site that gets full sun or partial shade.
  • Loosen the soil around the planting site and dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  • Gently remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  • Backfill the hole with soil and water the plant deeply.
  • Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
  • Prune the plant regularly to encourage dense growth.
  • Fertilize the plant once a year with a slow-release fertilizer.
  • Monitor the plant for pests and diseases and take action immediately if any problems are found.
  • Allow the plant to spread and fill in the desired area.
  • Enjoy the beautiful flowers and berries that this plant produces!

You May Like

  • hedge-hyssop
  • hedge-parsley
  • hedge-rue
  • hedge-woundwort
  • hedgehog cactus
  • hedgehog grass
  • hedgehog lily
  • hedgehog spindle tree
  • hedgehog share
  • hedge-leaved goldenrod

Source:
Lonicera sempervirens - North Carolina State University
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Shrubs Category