Staking, wires, or trellises will help theseflowering vinesget established.
In the South, common honeysuckle does best in moderate temperatures and with partial sunlight.
Regularly watering during dry spells and using well-draining, rich soil will help these plants thrive.
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If your garden does not have fertile soil, amending with compost might be necessary.
Depending on the location, regular pruning will prevent this species from becoming overgrown.
Any fertile soil supports honeysuckle as long as it’s not soggy.
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Water
If your region experiences prolonged droughts during the summer, remember to water honeysuckle.
New plants need consistent watering.
Mulching or adding organic compost can help honeysuckle retain its moisture.
Since honeysucklevines climb, ensure the roots receive water around the base.
Some varieties of this very cold-hardy plant can even be grown in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 4.
Fertilizer
Honeysuckle prefers organically rich soil.
If your soil needs enriching, supplement with a couple of inches of compost in early spring.
you might also apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer according to label directions each year in early spring.
Keep the vine healthy by removing dead and damaged branches at any time.
The plant will send out new shoots.
Provide supports for those shoots while also removing weak-looking stems.
Propagating Common Honeysuckle
Propagate common honeysuckle through semi-ripe cuttings, layering, or from seed.
Keep seeds refrigerated for about 12 weeks and remove them in the spring to plant.
Potting And Repotting Common Honeysuckle
Common honeysuckle can be successfullygrown in containers.
confirm the container has drainage holes and that the plant isn’t sitting in water.
However, keep in mind that containers dry out quickly and require more frequent watering than garden soil.
Repot the plant into a larger container once the roots outgrow the pot, using fresh potting mix.
Overwintering
Winter care is relatively simple in the South.
Mulching helps protect the honeysuckle’s roots when the temperatures drop.
You don’t need to fertilize honeysuckle during the winter, as dormant plants can’t absorb nutrients.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Common honeysuckle is relatively susceptible to diseases and pests.
Some fungi, like leaf blight, cause the foliage to curl or deform.
Prune damaged or diseased foliage to stop the spread of disease.
Powdery mildew and leaf spots occur in humid climates.
confirm the plant has good air circulation and spray with the appropriate fungicide if the problem becomes severe.
Often a gentle spray of water is enough to remove pests from the plant.
How To Get Common Honeysuckle To Bloom
With common honeysuckle, more sunlight encourages more blooming.
Common honeysuckle planted in shady areas will bloom less often.
Maintaining proper care and limiting pruning to late summer will help your plant showcase better blooms and foliage.
Aphids are the most likely pest to infect honeysuckle, while other conditions may emerge because of improper care.
Aphids are more likely to attack plants in shady environments.
Remove infested branches or leaves and apply insecticidal soap.
If infected, the honeysuckle stems and foliage with turn brown or black around the edges.
If detected early, removing damaged or diseased branches might save the plant.
Leaf spots and too much fertilizer are also reasons why honeysuckle turns brown.
However, Japanese honeysuckle vines can grow much larger, sometimes climbing to as much as 120 feet.
There are a number of native honeysuckles you might plant.
Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is a popular vine for home gardens.
UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources.Invasive Plant Factsheet: Japanese Honeysuckle.
