"JNJ" wrote in message
...
Another project -- We have some honeysuckle shrubs that are just rabid
growers. I've seen these things cut down to the ground in the spring then
grow to 10 feet by the end of the summer. The birds love the shrubs
because
they provide both shelter and food (little red berries).

I've TRIED to get some seeds of honeysuckle shrubs -- everyone is either
out
or they want to sell a tiny packet for an outrageous price. So I'm
thinking
trying my hand at getting some cuttings to root.

I've never really tried this, so I thought I'd hit the collective up for
some suggestions. Can I just cut some stems, put some rooting powder on
the
ends and stick 'em in the ground?

James


Last year in late spring/ early summer I pruned mine back, and took cuttings
about 6" long from the tips; I used root hormone, put in three cuttings per
pot, put them in the shade with a water mister. Most if not all took root,
and most had a few flowers showing in Jan/February. I also divided the
'mother' bush, and took a few of the rooted offshoots from the bottom, which
I planted elsewhere directly. They too have thrived. I've got more starter
bushes now than I have places to plant them. (Don't they smell incredibly
good?!! The fragrance drifts over the whole yard, just from one bush! Next
January should be wonderful, when they are in bloom all over this place!!)
If you are in the zone for winter honeysuckle, you could also grow 'the
next chapter', Sweet Banana Shrub. It starts to cover the yard with
fragrance just after the 'suckle quits. It smells like Cream Soda tastes!
Kt