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Honeysuckle question(s)
About 3 years ago we planted 2 honeysuckle plants/climbers into 2
planters with a trellis at the back. The first year of growth produced an abundance of shoots and leaves with some flowers. The second year it did not do very well at all. Not many shoots/leaves, and no flowers. So last backend I cut both plants right back and hoped they would do better this year, but they did not. Again like last year, no flowers and not many shoots/leaves. Today I was about to start cutting them back again, when I noticed some small blue berries on them, so I stopped cutting and left them for the birds to eat. Now then, should I have cut both plants back in the late autumn, and why did they not do well last year. Also as this is the first time I have seen berries on them, is this a normall thing. ie first year did well second year no flowers, third year no flowers, but berries. How can I get them to do well again next year? I have given them some plant food last year, and also placed some rotted garden waste around the base of the plants. Thanks -- Bob H Leeds UK |
"Bob H" wrote in message ... About 3 years ago we planted 2 honeysuckle plants/climbers into 2 planters with a trellis at the back. The first year of growth produced an abundance of shoots and leaves with some flowers. The second year it did not do very well at all. Not many shoots/leaves, and no flowers. So last backend I cut both plants right back and hoped they would do better this year, but they did not. Again like last year, no flowers and not many shoots/leaves. Today I was about to start cutting them back again, when I noticed some small blue berries on them, so I stopped cutting and left them for the birds to eat. Now then, should I have cut both plants back in the late autumn, and why did they not do well last year. Also as this is the first time I have seen berries on them, is this a normall thing. ie first year did well second year no flowers, third year no flowers, but berries. How can I get them to do well again next year? I have given them some plant food last year, and also placed some rotted garden waste around the base of the plants. Thanks -- Bob H Leeds UK You have found berries~~ these could only have been formed after flowering. You must have missed it! Best Wishes Brian. |
Brian wrote:
"Bob H" wrote in message ... About 3 years ago we planted 2 honeysuckle plants/climbers into 2 planters with a trellis at the back. The first year of growth produced an abundance of shoots and leaves with some flowers. The second year it did not do very well at all. Not many shoots/leaves, and no flowers. So last backend I cut both plants right back and hoped they would do better this year, but they did not. Again like last year, no flowers and not many shoots/leaves. Today I was about to start cutting them back again, when I noticed some small blue berries on them, so I stopped cutting and left them for the birds to eat. Now then, should I have cut both plants back in the late autumn, and why did they not do well last year. Also as this is the first time I have seen berries on them, is this a normall thing. ie first year did well second year no flowers, third year no flowers, but berries. How can I get them to do well again next year? I have given them some plant food last year, and also placed some rotted garden waste around the base of the plants. Thanks -- Bob H Leeds UK You have found berries~~ these could only have been formed after flowering. You must have missed it! Best Wishes Brian. I am not bothered about the berries or so much I haver missed the flowers?? Well one or two maybe, but my main question is, if I did not make it understanderble, is how do I get a good growth next year? Thanks -- Bob H Leeds UK |
"Bob H" wrote in message ... Brian wrote: "Bob H" wrote in message ... About 3 years ago we planted 2 honeysuckle plants/climbers into 2 planters with a trellis at the back. The first year of growth produced an abundance of shoots and leaves with some flowers. The second year it did not do very well at all. Not many shoots/leaves, and no flowers. So last backend I cut both plants right back and hoped they would do better this year, but they did not. Again like last year, no flowers and not many shoots/leaves. Today I was about to start cutting them back again, when I noticed some small blue berries on them, so I stopped cutting and left them for the birds to eat. Now then, should I have cut both plants back in the late autumn, and why did they not do well last year. Also as this is the first time I have seen berries on them, is this a normall thing. ie first year did well second year no flowers, third year no flowers, but berries. How can I get them to do well again next year? I have given them some plant food last year, and also placed some rotted garden waste around the base of the plants. Thanks -- Bob H Leeds UK You would perhaps be better to leave any pruning until the spring when the shoots from the existing stems will hopefully be evident. You can then judge which is dead wood and prune that out only. Apart from pruning out deadwood, the plant is better left unpruned I believe, until it has filled it's allotted space - then only a gentle tip prune is required to keep it in check. Regards, Pete www.thecanalshop.com |
"Peter Stockdale" wrote in message ... "Bob H" wrote in message ... Brian wrote: "Bob H" wrote in message ... About 3 years ago we planted 2 honeysuckle plants/climbers into 2 planters with a trellis at the back. The first year of growth produced an abundance of shoots and leaves with some flowers. The second year it did not do very well at all. Not many shoots/leaves, and no flowers. So last backend I cut both plants right back and hoped they would do better this year, but they did not. Again like last year, no flowers and not many shoots/leaves. Today I was about to start cutting them back again, when I noticed some small blue berries on them, so I stopped cutting and left them for the birds to eat. Now then, should I have cut both plants back in the late autumn, and why did they not do well last year. Also as this is the first time I have seen berries on them, is this a normall thing. ie first year did well second year no flowers, third year no flowers, but berries. How can I get them to do well again next year? I have given them some plant food last year, and also placed some rotted garden waste around the base of the plants. Thanks -- Bob H Leeds UK You would perhaps be better to leave any pruning until the spring when the shoots from the existing stems will hopefully be evident. You can then judge which is dead wood and prune that out only. Apart from pruning out deadwood, the plant is better left unpruned I believe, until it has filled it's allotted space - then only a gentle tip prune is required to keep it in check. Regards, Pete www.thecanalshop.com I have had a plethora of berries on my honeysuckles this year but flowering was pathetic I find that Honeysuckles bush out best when cut down to about 1ft high every few years otherwise they get all woody and leggy and flower only at the top |
"Bob H" wrote in message ... Brian wrote: "Bob H" wrote in message ... About 3 years ago we planted 2 honeysuckle plants/climbers into 2 planters with a trellis at the back. The first year of growth produced an abundance of shoots and leaves with some flowers. The second year it did not do very well at all. Not many shoots/leaves, and no flowers. So last backend I cut both plants right back and hoped they would do better this year, but they did not. Again like last year, no flowers and not many shoots/leaves. Today I was about to start cutting them back again, when I noticed some small blue berries on them, so I stopped cutting and left them for the birds to eat. Now then, should I have cut both plants back in the late autumn, and why did they not do well last year. Also as this is the first time I have seen berries on them, is this a normall thing. ie first year did well second year no flowers, third year no flowers, but berries. How can I get them to do well again next year? I have given them some plant food last year, and also placed some rotted garden waste around the base of the plants. Thanks -- Bob H Leeds UK You have found berries~~ these could only have been formed after flowering. You must have missed it! Best Wishes Brian. I am not bothered about the berries or so much I haver missed the flowers?? Well one or two maybe, but my main question is, if I did not make it understanderble, is how do I get a good growth next year? Thanks -- Bob H Leeds UK The problem you are having is due to the fact Honeysuckles have big root systems and do not do well long term in containers as they quickly fill with roots, and although feeding and mulching can help its not the same. Pruning is a good idea what ever! Also the sort of honeysuckle can make a difference and the one you have is probably Lonicera japonica and is prone to sulking and leaf problems when not happy. -- Charlie, gardening in Cornwall. http://www.roselandhouse.co.uk Holders of National Plant Collection of Clematis viticella (cvs) |
Peter Stockdale wrote:
"Bob H" wrote in message ... Brian wrote: "Bob H" wrote in message ... About 3 years ago we planted 2 honeysuckle plants/climbers into 2 planters with a trellis at the back. The first year of growth produced an abundance of shoots and leaves with some flowers. The second year it did not do very well at all. Not many shoots/leaves, and no flowers. So last backend I cut both plants right back and hoped they would do better this year, but they did not. Again like last year, no flowers and not many shoots/leaves. Today I was about to start cutting them back again, when I noticed some small blue berries on them, so I stopped cutting and left them for the birds to eat. Now then, should I have cut both plants back in the late autumn, and why did they not do well last year. Also as this is the first time I have seen berries on them, is this a normall thing. ie first year did well second year no flowers, third year no flowers, but berries. How can I get them to do well again next year? I have given them some plant food last year, and also placed some rotted garden waste around the base of the plants. Thanks -- Bob H Leeds UK You would perhaps be better to leave any pruning until the spring when the shoots from the existing stems will hopefully be evident. You can then judge which is dead wood and prune that out only. Apart from pruning out deadwood, the plant is better left unpruned I believe, until it has filled it's allotted space - then only a gentle tip prune is required to keep it in check. Regards, Pete www.thecanalshop.com After the 1st year when it did well, I did not prune or do anything with it, and the 2nd year it din't do very well at all; so that is why I pruned it after that 2nd year, in the hopes it would do better this last year, but it did not. Thanks -- Bob H Leeds UK |
Bob H wrote:
About 3 years ago we planted 2 honeysuckle plants/climbers into 2 planters with a trellis at the back. The first year of growth produced an abundance of shoots and leaves with some flowers. The second year it did not do very well at all. Not many shoots/leaves, and no flowers. So last backend I cut both plants right back and hoped they would do better this year, but they did not. Again like last year, no flowers and not many shoots/leaves. Today I was about to start cutting them back again, when I noticed some small blue berries on them, so I stopped cutting and left them for the birds to eat. I have an elderly honeysuckle which I cut hard back a couple of years ago. Last year it re grew as expected, but this year made little extra growth, and the flowers were sparse. Maybe next season is time to replace it with a couple of clematis. Chris -- Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK Have dancing shoes, will ceilidh. |
Charlie Pridham wrote:
"Bob H" wrote in message ... Brian wrote: "Bob H" wrote in message ... About 3 years ago we planted 2 honeysuckle plants/climbers into 2 planters with a trellis at the back. The first year of growth produced an abundance of shoots and leaves with some flowers. The second year it did not do very well at all. Not many shoots/leaves, and no flowers. So last backend I cut both plants right back and hoped they would do better this year, but they did not. Again like last year, no flowers and not many shoots/leaves. Today I was about to start cutting them back again, when I noticed some small blue berries on them, so I stopped cutting and left them for the birds to eat. Now then, should I have cut both plants back in the late autumn, and why did they not do well last year. Also as this is the first time I have seen berries on them, is this a normall thing. ie first year did well second year no flowers, third year no flowers, but berries. How can I get them to do well again next year? I have given them some plant food last year, and also placed some rotted garden waste around the base of the plants. Thanks -- Bob H Leeds UK You have found berries~~ these could only have been formed after flowering. You must have missed it! Best Wishes Brian. I am not bothered about the berries or so much I haver missed the flowers?? Well one or two maybe, but my main question is, if I did not make it understanderble, is how do I get a good growth next year? Thanks -- Bob H Leeds UK The problem you are having is due to the fact Honeysuckles have big root systems and do not do well long term in containers as they quickly fill with roots, and although feeding and mulching can help its not the same. Pruning is a good idea what ever! Also the sort of honeysuckle can make a difference and the one you have is probably Lonicera japonica and is prone to sulking and leaf problems when not happy. OK, well its been there for 3 years now, and I expect the container is pretty full of roots then. Its about 1mtr long by 30/35cms square, with a ivy/vine in as well. So how do I find out wich type of honeysuckle it is then? Thanks -- Bob H Leeds UK |
"Bob H" wrote in message ... Charlie Pridham wrote: "Bob H" wrote in message ... Brian wrote: "Bob H" wrote in message ... The problem you are having is due to the fact Honeysuckles have big root systems and do not do well long term in containers as they quickly fill with roots, and although feeding and mulching can help its not the same. Pruning is a good idea what ever! Also the sort of honeysuckle can make a difference and the one you have is probably Lonicera japonica and is prone to sulking and leaf problems when not happy. OK, well its been there for 3 years now, and I expect the container is pretty full of roots then. Its about 1mtr long by 30/35cms square, with a ivy/vine in as well. So how do I find out wich type of honeysuckle it is then? Thanks -- Bob H Leeds UK Black berries, scented flowers in summer, leaves tending to stay on its a fair bet its Lonicera japonica. If the flowers are not scented its probably Lonicera henryi. The third possibility is one of my favourites Lonicera simils delavyi but that is a bit tender and very much like a large version of Lonicera japonica. The native honeysuckles (lonicera periclymenum) have red berries, the Etruscan honeysuckles are orange as are many of the scented hybrids. Personally I would change to clematis and repot every other year, or get a much bigger container. -- Charlie, gardening in Cornwall. http://www.roselandhouse.co.uk Holders of National Plant Collection of Clematis viticella (cvs) |
Charlie Pridham wrote:
"Bob H" wrote in message ... Charlie Pridham wrote: "Bob H" wrote in message ... Brian wrote: "Bob H" wrote in message ... The problem you are having is due to the fact Honeysuckles have big root systems and do not do well long term in containers as they quickly fill with roots, and although feeding and mulching can help its not the same. Pruning is a good idea what ever! Also the sort of honeysuckle can make a difference and the one you have is probably Lonicera japonica and is prone to sulking and leaf problems when not happy. OK, well its been there for 3 years now, and I expect the container is pretty full of roots then. Its about 1mtr long by 30/35cms square, with a ivy/vine in as well. So how do I find out wich type of honeysuckle it is then? Thanks -- Bob H Leeds UK Black berries, scented flowers in summer, leaves tending to stay on its a fair bet its Lonicera japonica. If the flowers are not scented its probably Lonicera henryi. The third possibility is one of my favourites Lonicera simils delavyi but that is a bit tender and very much like a large version of Lonicera japonica. The native honeysuckles (lonicera periclymenum) have red berries, the Etruscan honeysuckles are orange as are many of the scented hybrids. Personally I would change to clematis and repot every other year, or get a much bigger container. It had small white flowers and now has black/dark blue berries. The idea of getting honesuckle was because as it is a climber and a rapidish one at that, was to provide some sort of partitioning? between us and our neighbour, as their garden is lower than ours and is on a much less than 180 degree angle to us, as our house is on a corner. Thanks -- Bob H Leeds UK |
In article ,
Bob H wrote: The idea of getting honesuckle was because as it is a climber and a rapidish one at that, was to provide some sort of partitioning? between us and our neighbour... Honeysuckle is lovely, but if you want a rampant, unstoppable climber / weaver/ rambler, get Russian Vine. Very vigorous indeed, nice dense greenery, nice flowers late summer(?). Your neighbour would need to keep their side well trimmed too (or you could do it for them), or they'd find it taking over their house after a couple of years. john |
"Sacha" wrote in message k... On 14/12/04 11:38, in article , "John" wrote: In article , Bob H wrote: The idea of getting honesuckle was because as it is a climber and a rapidish one at that, was to provide some sort of partitioning? between us and our neighbour... Honeysuckle is lovely, but if you want a rampant, unstoppable climber / weaver/ rambler, get Russian Vine. Very vigorous indeed, nice dense greenery, nice flowers late summer(?). Your neighbour would need to keep their side well trimmed too (or you could do it for them), or they'd find it taking over their house after a couple of years. So rampant that it should come with a health warning. It's very tempting to people who want a rapid result but oh, the horrors of the reality, later and if in the wrong place. Someone just down the lane from us had planted 3 of these things on one shortish fence - and no, they did NOT come to us for them! I can't begin to describe what it was like until they yanked two of them out. The sole survivor is threatening to eat their house and that of their neighbours, too. I really wouldn't recommend this to anyone just to cover a fence and especially not someone who has neighbours! My neighbours in a previous house planted one and it 'ate' my Albertine rose and Clematis montana every year without fail, ruining their flowers. Vile thing! Although it isn't a climber, I have found some types of Ceanothus to grow quickly and do a great job of concealing things. IIRC, the one I had that did this was 'Italian Skies'. And a very good and IME, quick climber in a sunny place, is Solanum. -- Sacha www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon (remove the weeds to email me) I agree with Sacha for screening a hedge is better than a climber and there are many more interesting evergreens for the job. Re Russian Vine I have stopped selling it it just grew too fast and was a complete pain and that was in a container! however my one in the hedge looks fine and so does one in the village growing with a hardy Fuchsia but both are hacked back each year to keep control. -- Charlie, gardening in Cornwall. http://www.roselandhouse.co.uk Holders of National Plant Collection of Clematis viticella (cvs) |
Sacha wrote:
On 14/12/04 11:38, in article , "John" wrote: In article , Bob H wrote: The idea of getting honesuckle was because as it is a climber and a rapidish one at that, was to provide some sort of partitioning? between us and our neighbour... Honeysuckle is lovely, but if you want a rampant, unstoppable climber / weaver/ rambler, get Russian Vine. Very vigorous indeed, nice dense greenery, nice flowers late summer(?). Your neighbour would need to keep their side well trimmed too (or you could do it for them), or they'd find it taking over their house after a couple of years. So rampant that it should come with a health warning. It's very tempting to people who want a rapid result but oh, the horrors of the reality, later and if in the wrong place. Someone just down the lane from us had planted 3 of these things on one shortish fence - and no, they did NOT come to us for them! I can't begin to describe what it was like until they yanked two of them out. The sole survivor is threatening to eat their house and that of their neighbours, too. I really wouldn't recommend this to anyone just to cover a fence and especially not someone who has neighbours! My neighbours in a previous house planted one and it 'ate' my Albertine rose and Clematis montana every year without fail, ruining their flowers. Vile thing! Although it isn't a climber, I have found some types of Ceanothus to grow quickly and do a great job of concealing things. IIRC, the one I had that did this was 'Italian Skies'. And a very good and IME, quick climber in a sunny place, is Solanum. We do have a Russian Vine and I know it does grow *very* well. We have it on a trellis on the edge of our patio; that should be it grows along a trellis from about 3ft below. The idea is that it provides a noticble edge of an otherwise open edged patio, which has a drop of over 2ft. This year we have noticed that it has done particularly well after cutting back last backend. It has not flowered in the 3 years we have had it, but the leaves are a very nice autumny/dark red colour. Thanks for the advice, no I would not place it between myself and my neighbours, and will look for what you have advised. Thanks -- Bob H Leeds UK |
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