Honeysuckle - time and planting rules
Honeysuckle is one of the valuable medicinal plants, in which almost all its parts have beneficial properties. One of the long-lived plants, which, under favorable conditions, can grow for more than 100 years. In the article you will learn the time and basic rules for planting honeysuckle using the example of some representatives of this plant.
The fruits of honeysuckle are very tasty; they contain many nutrients, vitamins and acids. However, there are also inedible varieties. The berries on such bushes are usually brightly colored and very poisonous.
The plant can be safely planted on the site for decorative purposes, since during the flowering period it has an attractive appearance and a fragrant aroma. Some perfume companies even include this scent in their products.
Honeysuckle is widespread in the middle regions of Russia, as well as in Siberia and the Urals. It is least comfortable in southern latitudes due to the greater influence of the sun. The moisture-loving plant can hardly tolerate hot climates, which affects developmental delays.
Gardeners also fell in love with this plant because its fruiting begins at the end of May, which is much earlier than other berries. This is very convenient during periods when there is an acute shortage of vitamins.
Honeysuckle is unpretentious to the soil and reacts only to excess moisture. The proximity of groundwater can harm seedlings. The acidity of the soil should be neutral, so you can add lime or chalk if necessary.
The best time to plant honeysuckle is in September-October. A distance of up to 2 m must be maintained between the bushes. It is necessary to dig a hole about 40 cm deep, into which compost, lime, potassium sulfate and superphosphate are placed. Everything is filled with half a bucket of water, after which you can plant the bush. The soil around the plant is compacted tightly and watered again with water and mulched with peat.
At the same time, if the plant is weak and it is necessary to strengthen its roots, then the root neck sinks 5 cm into the ground.
It is better to plant several varieties of honeysuckle at once. This way pollination works better and it bears fruit faster.
Further care of the plant consists of watering, loosening and protection from pests. The plant is moisture-loving, so it should be watered infrequently, but in large quantities. When loosening, it is necessary to remember that the roots of honeysuckle are not very deep into the soil. You need to be careful not to hit them. Fertilizers should be used only after the honeysuckle has taken root properly. There is no need to do this for the first three years.
Volkhov honeysuckle, planting and care
The variety was obtained by selection from the Pavlovsk station and is classified as mid-season. A very popular variety due to the taste of the berries, which do not contain bitterness and distinct sourness. There is a light strawberry aftertaste.
Volkhov's honeysuckle is unpretentious to soil quality, but grows poorly on hills and dry, sandy areas.
On average, the distance between bushes should be about 2 m for them to feel comfortable. Otherwise, the absorption of nutrients by the root system is hampered, and the plants feel depressed. After planting, seedlings must be watered and mulched with organic matter.
Watering should be carried out according to the needs of the plant. As soon as the soil begins to dry out, it means the roots need moisture. Honeysuckle is moisture-loving, so it’s unlikely to overdo it with watering. However, it is strictly forbidden to flood the plant. It is not recommended to skip watering the plant during shoot growth, flowering and at the beginning of fruiting. After 3 years of life of the bush, fertilizers can be used. However, humus is not recommended to be used too often. The best option is once every two years.
Rare and old branches must be removed every 2 years. They are mainly located in the lower part of the plant. The upper branches provide the greatest fruiting, so there is no need to trim them. Only if the plant is more than 15 years old may it need more serious thinning.
Wiliga honeysuckle: planting and care
The variety is specially adapted for growing in Siberian conditions. Withstands severe frosts and sudden temperature changes. All the nuances of planting and caring for Wilig's honeysuckle lie in its acclimatization in the conditions of Siberia. It is not recommended to plant varieties not intended for this region.
Honeysuckle of this variety is best planted at the age of 3 years. In this case, it will take root better and will withstand climatic conditions more successfully. The optimal number of branches is from 3 to 4, which indicates a healthy, strong plant. It is better to select a place for planting honeysuckle in the spring, and plant the plant a month before the cold weather. Greenhouse seedlings can be planted in the spring, as long as the weather is not sunny.
The selected place, up to 1 m deep, is filled with compost. It must be regularly dug to enrich it with oxygen, and in the fall a plant is planted in this nutrient medium. After this, the honeysuckle needs to be watered and the soil compacted well. The surface is mulched with sawdust, compost or grass clippings. For winter, it is better to use pine branches, which protect well from frost.
It is necessary to regularly weed and water the plant as the soil dries out. For an adult plant, the norm for watering is three buckets of water. You need to start feeding the plant gradually, increasing the amount of fertilizer each time.
It’s good if several varieties coexist on the site, this will significantly increase their yield.
In order for honeysuckle to safely survive the winter, it is necessary to remove all old and damaged branches in the fall, mulch with coniferous branches, and cover the lower shoots with earth.
Honeysuckle Viola: planting and care
A fast-growing variety that pleases with its fruits already in June. The place for planting honeysuckle should be chosen to be bright, without darkening. Honeysuckle Viola is planted in September-October. Honeysuckle is not picky about soil, the main thing is that the place is not swampy. The planting hole is dug about 40 cm deep and the same width. Fertilizers are added to it: rotted manure, ash. When planting a plant, the root collar must be hidden 5 cm underground. After which the plant must be watered well.
Until three years of age, the main care for Viola honeysuckle consists of weeding and watering. In hot weather, the plant requires more thorough watering, from 10 liters per bush.
Organic fertilizers are added every three years. Dry branches must be removed regularly, and after the plant is 8 years old — process the entire crown.
Climbing honeysuckle - Belgica: planting and care
Belgica honeysuckle is used for landscaping. This is an ornamental plant that does not have edible fruits, but is quite unpretentious and blooms profusely throughout the summer. The height of the plant is about three meters. It willingly settles along fences and hedges, holding onto them with branches. Thanks to this, it grows equally well both in the sun and in the shade.
There are no special preferences for soil, it grows well even in slightly enriched soil, and is frost-resistant. The flowers emit a pleasant, persistent aroma that spreads throughout the entire area. The flowers have several shades with a predominance of purple.
Planting of Belgica climbing honeysuckle is carried out in autumn or late spring. It is necessary to prepare a planting hole up to 50 cm, adding a little organic matter. Then pour water into it and plant the plant, straightening the roots. You can mulch with humus.
Irrigation is carried out regularly, about 25 liters of water per square meter. The watering rate per month is up to 4 times, and in hot periods up to 6 times.
Being a liana plant type, climbing honeysuckle must have support for the most favorable growth. This allows you to make beautiful decorated fences or decorate a gazebo.
In the second year, to prevent overgrowth, the plant must be pruned. Proper pruning will allow honeysuckle to curl better and have larger flowers. Pruning begins when the leaves have not yet appeared - in early spring, but can be done in late autumn.
Organic fertilizers are applied in the spring; 1 bucket is needed per plant. Additional complex fertilizers are applied during the growing season (May-July).