How to Grow Honeysuckle

Honeysuckles are shrubs and vines in the Caprifoliaceae family. They are common throughout the northern hemisphere, especially in China. About 180 species exist. Well-known examples are European Honeysuckle, Chinese Honeysuckle and Coral Honeysuckle. Honeysuckles are known for their sweet, edible nectar and are relatively easy to care for given the proper conditions. The following steps will show how to grow honeysuckle.

Instructions

1. Find a good location to plant honeysuckle. Most species need full sun, although some may tolerate partial shade. The soil should have plenty of moisture and good drainage so that standing water does not accumulate.

2. Plant honeysuckle in early spring after the last frost. The plants should be placed about three feet apart. Space them at two feet if they are to serve as ground cover.

3. Mulch the base of the plant heavily with a cover of leaves to allow moisture retention in the soil and shade the roots. Mulching also will protect the root system during the winter.

4. Water honeysuckle regularly after planting. Once established, it should only need additional water during dry periods in the summer.

5. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at the beginning of the growing season and again in the middle of the blooming season.

6. Prune honeysuckles in late February to March when they are well established in about two years. Remove dead and weak stems to encourage new growth. Additional pruning throughout the growing season will vary according to the particular species.

Resources

• Learn more about growing honeysuckle.