Chumasande MatiwaneThese easy-to-care climbers offer attractive clusters of blooms in white, yellow, orange, and red shades. A delicacy for many wildlife pollinators, honeysuckles offer appreciation. Here’s everything you need to know about growing them.
Where to plant honeysuckles
Honeysuckle vines need to be planted in moist but well-drained soil. Where its roots are in the shade and stems are in the sun, such as against a west-facing fence, is perfect for their climbing capabilities. As a plant grows, it will need a sturdy support such as a trellis, fence, or pole. Install the support before planting to avoid damaging the roots at a later stage.
Like most plants, honeysuckle seedlings need to be cultivated in early spring after all danger of frost has passed. Seeds can be planted in the ground or outdoors in pots in autumn or early winter to cold stratify over winter.
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Honeysuckle care
Once established, your honeysuckles are easy to maintain, needing little attention. The vines generally grow rapidly with the right conditions. These conditions include the right light. Honeysuckle vines enjoy full sunlight around the stems and leaves. On those hotter days, some afternoon shade is appreciated to avoid burning the leaves.
Honeysuckle vines grow best in loamy, well-draining garden soil that has been enriched with compost, though they can adapt to various soil types. It’s important to maintain an average or low humidity level, as high humidity can lead to fungal infections in the plant.
To ensure the honeysuckle remains low-maintenance, try to replicate its ideal growing conditions. Additionally, choose a variety of honeysuckle that is well-suited to your climate and local growing conditions.
Excess fertiliser causes plants to grow more leaves and fewer flowers. When you amend the soil of your young honeysuckle, you don’t need additional fertiliser. Established honeysuckles will benefit from a single application of organic general-purpose fertiliser during their active season.
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ALSO SEE: GROWING AND MAINTAINING WINTER BULBS
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