Where to buy honeysuckle for planting
Gardeners often face the question: where to buy honeysuckle for planting?
Honeysuckle is highly valued by gardeners for its attractive appearance, thanks to which it is possible to make a rich hedge. Climbing varieties of honeysuckle are well suited for this; they do not produce edible berries, but will help decorate any garden and create a unique style.
The taste of the fruit is not in last place, if the selected seedlings belong to edible varieties. The berries can traditionally be consumed in their pure form, and can also be used to make various preparations for the winter.
The benefits of honeysuckle will be appreciated by people with kidney, liver and heart diseases. Traditional recipes will be excellent additions to basic medicines.
Even if you have decided on the choice of variety, you need to have a little idea about it and know the main characteristics. Sometimes even experienced gardeners cannot always distinguish one variety of honeysuckle from another, especially when the plant is still young. It is best to purchase honeysuckle from a nursery, where the likelihood of buying exactly what you wanted is much higher. You can purchase from trusted private traders if you are confident in the quality of the seedlings you are purchasing and the reputation of the private seller.
Pay attention to the quality of the plant. If you plan to harvest the crop in the near future, then it is better to purchase 3-year-old seedlings. Older plants take root less well in a new place. The number of branches can be three or more. Roots and branches should not be dry. If the bush looks drooping and has no buds, then most likely it will not take root on the site.
It is necessary to remember that not every variety takes root well in the chosen location. Climatic conditions play an important role. Buy varieties specifically adapted for your region.
It is better to plant several varieties of honeysuckle at once, this will ensure good yield. All selected varieties must be suitable for each other.
Honeysuckle planting depth
The planting depth of honeysuckle should correspond to the size of the plant's root system. The most suitable soil for honeysuckle will be one that provides better oxygen flow to the roots. The soil must be fertilized with humus and organic fertilizers, which will improve the soil structure and increase its moisture capacity. If necessary, complex fertilizers are added to destroy harmful microorganisms contained in the soil and increase productivity.
The planting hole should be about 30 cm deep and about the same wide. When planting seedlings that are about 3 years old, their roots are straightened and carefully covered with soil. After this, it is necessary to water the plant and mulch. The main rule when planting is that the roots should feel spacious. If the hole is too deep, the roots will settle over time and the plant will begin to go down. A hole with insufficient depth will not allow the root collar of the seedling to be lowered, which should be 5 cm below ground level.
There should be a distance between the holes of at least 2 meters, which will allow honeysuckle to grow in more comfortable conditions.
If transplantation or planting of adult bushes is required, the depth of the planting hole should be from 50 cm, depending on the root system.
Nest planting of honeysuckle
Nest planting of honeysuckle is a natural state of shrubs that are able to better withstand adverse environmental conditions. In this case, plants are planted in groups, which is explained by their natural preference. In the wild there are practically no single bushes; all plants are in symbiosis.
This group of plants is less sensitive to strong winds and precipitation. Honeysuckle planted in this way is better pollinated and produces more yield. The roots of closely planted shrubs can grow together, and then if one plant is sick, the others are able to feed it.
Plants are more durable and protected from damage and premature falling of leaves and fruits.
For nesting planting, you must choose a sunny, dry place with fertile soil. Honeysuckle seedlings are located at a distance of about 40 cm from each other. Moreover, they are located in the same landing hole. The depth of the pit should be at least 30 cm. The number of plants should not exceed 4 pieces. Plants can form into a single bush crown, which must be thinned out regularly. The distances between such nests should be 6-8 meters.
Among the disadvantages of such planting are the need for more frequent watering and uneven flowering and fruiting.
Honeysuckle Belgica, planting and care
Planting and caring for Belgica honeysuckle is slightly different from edible honeysuckle.
Honeysuckle Belgica is an ornamental vine with large violet-purple flowers. The plant is about 3 meters high. Used for landscaping areas and creating hedges. The first flowers appear in June, spreading a pleasant, persistent aroma. The plant blooms again in July, and bright red berries appear in September-October. The fruits of the plant are not edible, but also serve an aesthetic function.
Before planting Belgica honeysuckle, you need to decide on its purpose. The plant can be a decoration for a flower bed or garden. In this case, it is planted as separate bushes in the required quantity. For many gardeners, this is not enough, and if the area of the plot allows, you can use honeysuckle for landscaping gazebos.
Ornamental honeysuckle is an unpretentious plant, but it takes root better in fertile soil. Seedlings that are no more than 3 years old are placed in a hole up to 50 cm deep, previously covered with mineral fertilizers and humus. The plant needs to be watered and mulched with peat.
Belgica, like all honeysuckles, is moisture-loving, so you need to keep the soil moist. Watering is best done in the morning or evening. One plant requires about 25 liters of water. If the summer is hot, it is recommended to water up to 6 times a month. For more convenient watering, you can make a hole around the bush. Periodically, the soil must be loosened to achieve better penetration of moisture and oxygen. For additional moisture retention, the soil surface is mulched with humus about 8 cm thick.
Climbing honeysuckle has a bare trunk, so for a more attractive appearance it is necessary to carry out weeding on time. In some cases, it makes sense to plant flowers nearby.
To maintain abundant flowering, honeysuckle must be thinned regularly. It is best to trim excess branches in the spring, but you can shape the crown throughout the year. The more often thinning is carried out, the more abundantly the honeysuckle will bloom.
Aurora honeysuckle, planting and care
Planting and caring for Aurora honeysuckle is not difficult, despite the fact that the variety is new. Many gardeners liked it, primarily for its early ripening. The fruits ripen in late May - early June. They are juicy, sweet and large. This is a Canadian variety, recently bred.
Honeysuckle has a good yield and stays on the branches for a long time. Seedlings will best take root in a new place if their age does not exceed 3 years. The distance between them should be about 2 meters. The planting hole should be 30 cm deep with organic fertilizers. The honeysuckle is placed with its roots straightened and sprinkled with soil. The bush must be watered with 3 large buckets and cover the surface with humus.
Honeysuckle is resistant to frost and many diseases.
Caring for Aurora honeysuckle is not difficult. Complete care involves timely watering. Particular importance should be paid to the moment of bud formation. When the honeysuckle begins to bear fruit, watering should be reduced. You need to pour out about 25 liters of water at a time. In dry areas, the number of waterings should not be less than 6 per month. Honeysuckle does not respond well to drought, so the soil must be kept moist with mulch.
Mature shrubs must be thinned at the end of each season, removing damaged and dried branches. For the winter, honeysuckle is wrapped in cloth to protect it from frost and pests.