Honeysuckle Vine Propagation
Honeysuckle (Lonicera) is a twining vine valued for its easy growth habit and attractive, fragrant blooms. Depending on the variety, honeysuckle may be evergreen or deciduous. Although honeysuckles are found in nearly every corner of the United States, some varieties are appropriate only for warm climates, while others are cold-tolerant plants. Honeysuckles are vigorous plants that aren't difficult to propagate by layering or by leaf bud cuttings. Does this Spark an idea?
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Hardwood Cuttings
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Hardwood cuttings are taken in late fall or early winter when the plant is dormant. The cuttings, 8 to 10 inches in length, are planted in a trench in a sheltered outdoor location, with the tip of the stems extending slightly above the soil. Before planting, the soil is improved by the addition of compost. After planting, the soil is kept slightly moist. New roots will form along the length of the honeysuckle stem. By the following autumn, the newly rooted honeysuckle plants can be dug and planted in a permanent location.
Softwood Cuttings
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Honeysuckle is propagated by taking softwood cuttings in June or July. The 4- to 6-inch cuttings are taken from semi-mature stems that will break with a snap when bent. The honeysuckle cuttings are dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a pot filled with a well-drained potting mixture. The pot is covered with clear plastic, then placed near a bright window, but not in direct, hot sunlight. The soil is kept slightly moist. When new growth appears on the honeysuckle vine, the plastic is removed. The honeysuckle is kept indoors until the plant is large enough to survive outdoors.
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Simple Layering
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Layering during the spring months is one of the easiest methods of propagating plants with long, flexible stems. A young stem near the bottom of the plant is bent until it touches the ground. The stem is secured to the ground at a point about 6 to 9 inches from the stem tip with a piece of bent wire or a heavy rock. The stem tip is carefully bent upward. When new growth appears, a wooden stake is driven into the ground near the stem, and the stem is secured to the stake with soft ties. The rooted honeysuckle plant can be dug and replanted in autumn or the following spring.
Care After Planting
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The newly planted honeysuckle is surrounded with 2 inches of mulch to retain moisture and keep the soil temperature even. Once planted, honeysuckle needs virtually little care, although the plant will benefit from about an inch of water every week during hot, dry weather. Prune unruly honeysuckle vines as needed after blooming.
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References
- Photo Credit honeysuckle on blue background image by Xuejun li from Fotolia.com
