How to Root Honeysuckle Clippings

Several types of honeysuckle grow in the U.S. All are woody or semi-woody shrubs or vines. They are used in the garden to attract wildlife and for their sweet-smelling flowers. It is difficult to find seed from honeysuckle plants because the birds usually take off with the fruit containing the seed before it is ready to plant. Therefore, the best and easiest way to propagate honeysuckle plants is by rooting a stem clipping.

Things You'll Need

• Honeysuckle stem cutting
• Sterilized potting medium
• Powdered rooting hormone
• Flower pot
• Container to hold water
• Water

Instructions

1. Take a clipping from the honeysuckle plant in late spring when it is actively growing. Take the clipping from an actively growing stem end that is not too woody and not too green by cutting just below the fourth or fifth leaf set. Immediately put the stem end in a container containing water.

2. Prepare your flower pot and sterile potting medium or new potting soil. Do not use garden soil or old potting soil because it can contain fungus or mildew that can attack the new roots that will form on the cutting. Fill the flower pot with potting medium, then soak the potting medium with water and let drain.

3. Remove your clipping from the water and cut the clipping just under the set of leaves or the node that is above where the original cut was made. Remove leaves from that node and from the next one above that by pulling the leaves off using a downward motion.

4. Dip the stem end in the water covering the two nodes where you removed the leaves and then dip the stem in the powdered rooting hormone covering both nodes where the leaves were removed.

5. Stick the end of the honeysuckle clipping covered with rooting hormone into the damp potting soil far enough so that both the nodes that are covered with rooting hormone or covered in soil. Close the soil around the stem end using your fingers to lightly tamp down the soil around the stem. Keep damp, but not wet, for four to six weeks, and place in a warm (75- to 85-degrees F) area until growth begins to appear.

References

• Propagating Honeysuckle Vine
• Honeysuckle
• Coral Honeysuckle