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In its natural environment, Japanese honeysuckle is common in the North Caucasus. The wild-growing species gave rise to decorative varieties with different colors of flowers and leaves. Lianas are widely used for vertical landscaping and hedging.
The culture is distinguished by abundant and long flowering
Description of Japanese honeysuckle
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera Japonica) is a vine that grows up to 10 m in height. Strengthen the plant on supports, less often used as a ground cover option. The culture is characterized by intensive shoot formation, the growth can be up to 0.5 m per season. The color of the flowers depends on the variety. There are white, cream, pink and red varieties.
Leaves are densely arranged, lanceolate, with a pointed tip, hard and glossy, the color depends on the variety. The plant is perennial, with proper agricultural technology, it decorates the site for more than 10 years.
Japanese honeysuckle varieties
Wild species are distributed mainly in the south of Russia and in Asian countries. Growing Japanese culture in temperate climates is not allowed by weak frost resistance. In regions with a cold climate, varieties are cultivated that are adapted to the weather conditions of Russia.
Japanese Honeysuckle Aureoreticulata
The most famous and widespread variety in the Moscow region and the European part is Japanese honeysuckle Aureoreticulata.
Variety characteristic:
- liana grows up to 4.5-5 m;
- flowering is long, single. Lasts from late spring to mid-summer;
- the flowers initially change from white to yellow;
- the peculiarity of the variety lies in the color of the leaves: an asymmetrical mesh pattern is located on a green background;
- berries are black, not edible.
The variety may not bloom every year; the unusual coloring of the leaf plates makes it decorative.
The plant is characterized by an average frost resistance, therefore, the crown needs to be covered in the fall.
Japanese honeysuckle Red World
Semi-evergreen vine that retains its attractive appearance until February. External characteristic:
- shoots of the current season are thin, reddish-brown in color;
- an adult plant grows up to 6 m;
- ovoid leaves, buds bloom in April. The leaf plate is dark green with yellow veins;
- the flowers are arranged in pairs in the leaf axils of a bright red hue. Liana is completely covered with inflorescences that appear in May. The aroma is weak;
- fruits are dark blue with a golden coating, edible.
Rel World is one of the frost-resistant varieties suitable for growing in Siberia
Japanese Honeysuckle Purpurea
Purpurea is an evergreen vine variety. In spring, the leaves are bright green, in summer they become darker, by autumn they turn into a violet-purple hue. The main shoots of Japanese honeysuckle grow up to 4 m in length.Numerous tubular flowers, when they appear, have a red base and white petals, then turn yellow, have a strong aroma. The berries are black, not suitable for human consumption.
Most of the leaves have a maroon rim around the edge.
Japanese Honeysuckle Halls Prolific
Halls Prolific can be called undersized, the length of shoots rarely exceeds 2.5 m. The peculiarity of the variety is the formation of numerous shoots from the root. Flowering later, but long: from June to September. Flowers are small, densely arranged, their color is whitish-yellow.
The plant is compact, very dense, suitable for hedges
Japanese Honeysuckle Variegated
The variegated variety is a semi-evergreen seedling with an attractive crown. The special value of the culture is its leaves and shoots. The stems are deep red. The color of Japanese honeysuckle is golden-mesh, does not change until the onset of frost, over time the plate becomes slightly reddish.
Variety characteristic:
- The height of the dwarf form does not exceed 1 m. The plant is more often used as a ground cover option or for vertical gardening of low structures.
- The variety is suitable for growing in a container, it is used in the design of recreation areas and open verandas.
- The flowers are white at the top, purple at the base, strongly fragrant.
- Blooming later. It starts in June and lasts 30-40 days.
When grown using a trellis, the plant can reach 1.2 m. Constantly requires shaping, the stems grow chaotically. Of all the varieties, Variegated is considered the most decorative and versatile in use.
Suitable for creating arches or low hedges
Japanese honeysuckle honey vine
The variety got its name because of the unusual color of the flowers. They have a bright yellow hue and a sweet, persistent aroma. Honeysuckle grows up to 6 m, the annual growth is about 60 cm. Shoot formation is intense, the stems are randomly intertwined, creating a solid mass.
The leaves are rounded, large, dark green, by autumn they acquire a reddish tint
With the help of suction cups, the stems are tightly fixed on the wall or fence, covering them with a solid carpet.
Japanese Honeysuckle Halyana
The Halliana variety of Japanese honeysuckle is one of the most widespread and demanded in Russia, since the main advantage of the species, in addition to decorativeness, is its high frost resistance. The plant calmly tolerates a drop in temperature to -40 0C.
Variety characteristic:
- it is one of the tallest varieties that can grow up to 7-8 m;
- the plant is evergreen, the leaves are oblong, rich green, slightly darken by autumn;
- flowers are numerous, light yellow, with a pronounced citrus aroma;
- blooms from spring to autumn.
The crown is very dense, the annual growth is about 1 m. The berries are black, unsuitable for consumption.
In ornamental gardening, the variety is used to strengthen slopes.
Planting and caring for Japanese honeysuckle
Japanese honeysuckle comes from a warm climate, but the varieties created are adapted to the weather conditions of the temperate zone. The growth and flowering of a crop depends on the location on the site and the subsequent agricultural technology.
Landing dates
The culture is characterized by early sap flow, so it is necessary to plant Japanese honeysuckle when it is at rest. The biological cycle slows down after fruit ripening. Spring planting in temperate climates is impossible, since the soil will not have time to warm up enough for work. The optimal time is the end of August or mid-September. Before winter comes, Japanese honeysuckle has enough time to take root to withstand the cold.
In the South, planting in spring is possible, but time will be lost for survival. The main part of the nutrition will go to the formation of the root system, and not to the green mass, therefore it is also better to place Japanese honeysuckle on the site in the autumn.
Selection and preparation of the landing site
Decorative types of Japanese honeysuckle are distinguished by various colors of leaves, for which they are valued in landscape design. To maintain the pronounced varietal characteristics, the plant needs a sufficient amount of light. Honeysuckle reacts poorly to drying out of an earthen coma. It is better to set aside a place for the crown to be in the sun, and the root system in shade.
The best option is the south side of the building.
Liana needs support, it also needs to be taken care of during planting
You can use Japanese honeysuckle as a ground cover plant, in which case it should have enough room to grow.
The composition of the soil is neutral, slightly acidic is allowed. If necessary, the reaction is corrected by appropriate means. The soil for planting is set aside with good aeration, fertile. Loams are suitable, and on heavy or sandy soils, honeysuckle develops much worse.
The culture does not tolerate drying out of the soil, but the problem can be solved by watering. On waterlogged soil, honeysuckle will not grow at all. The development of diseases, root decay, plant death are possible consequences of a wetland.
The place and the pit for planting are prepared in advance or on the day of the work. The site is dug up, the roots of the plants are removed. The depth of the hole can be calculated in the following way: measure the distance from the root to the neck, given that it remains above the surface (by 4-5 cm). Add 15-20 cm to the drainage pad and 20 cm to the potting soil layer.
Landing rules
A seedling of Japanese honeysuckle is acquired at two years of age, it is better that the material is in the transport container. If the root is open, it is previously disinfected in a manganese solution and placed in Kornevin.
Sequence of work:
- A nutrient substrate is prepared, consisting of equal parts of compost, sod layer or peat. Sand is added to the clay soil. Make 2-3 tbsp. l. superphosphate.
- Part of the mixture is poured onto the drainage, if the root is open, then a small cone-shaped embankment is made in the center, for a closed root system this is not necessary, the seedling is transferred along with an earthen lump.
- Honeysuckle is placed in the center, covered with the rest of the nutrient soil, on top with soil, the neck remains on the surface.
The plant is watered and covered with mulch
For planting in a line, honeysuckle is placed in a trench with an interval of 2 m.
Watering and feeding
Japanese honeysuckle is not fed for the first 2 years. An adult plant begins to fertilize when it enters the budding phase. In the spring, organic agents and urea are introduced. In preparation for winter, fertilize with complex mineral agents and organics. Autumn feeding of Japanese honeysuckle is mandatory, it contributes to the full laying of vegetative buds at the beginning of the season.
The main watering is necessary for the plant in the early years, when the honeysuckle builds up the root system. The seedlings are moistened regularly with a small volume of water so that it does not stagnate in the ground. The main task is to prevent the earthen coma from drying out. Adult honeysuckle is watered based on the intensity of rainfall. Roughly the plant needs 25 liters of water for 10 days.
Pruning
Flowering in Japanese honeysuckle is abundant, flowers are formed on the upper part of annual shoots. Pruning in the spring is difficult, it is difficult to determine which shoots have overwintered normally until the buds open. At this time, only the damaged areas are removed.
The main pruning is carried out in the autumn. To provoke branching in the spring, the stems on which there were flowers are shortened by 30 cm. Old branches are removed, leaving only skeletal vines. Perennial shoots do not bear fruit, but they thicken the bush.In the spring, the branches are directed to the support so that they do not get tangled. Old bushes rejuvenate, completely cut off the crown, skeletal vines are removed, replacing them with strong shoots.
Wintering
In the South, the plant hibernates without a crown, Japanese honeysuckle is watered abundantly, fertilizers are applied and the soil is mulched. In regions with cold climates, honeysuckle is harbored for the first 3 years. During this time, the culture adapts to the temperature and will be able to winter without insulation. If the shoots freeze, this is not scary, during the season the plant will form a replacement in full, because the shoot formation in honeysuckle is high. The main challenge in temperate climates is to preserve the root.
Young vines require shelter for the winter:
- The stems are carefully removed from the support.
- The branches are pulled into a bunch and placed on boards or straw.
- Cover with spunbond and spruce branches on top.
How Japanese honeysuckle reproduces
Japanese honeysuckle is propagated by seeds, if it is a wild species. Ornamental varieties with the generative method will not retain their characteristics. The best vegetative option:
- Liana gives a viable planting material when propagated by layering.
- You can plant honeysuckle on the site after dividing the parent specimen, but the method is laborious, since the lashes can reach a height of up to 10 m, and only adult seedlings, whose age is at least four years, are suitable for the procedure.
- The fastest and most productive way is cuttings.
Cuttings are cut from annual shoots, planted for rooting in a mini-greenhouse, the structure is insulated for the winter, and by the end of the next season they are seated in the designated place.
Diseases and pests
Japanese honeysuckle differs with stable immunity, the plant is sick only on waterlogged soils. With improper agricultural technology or an unsuccessfully chosen place, it is affected by a fungal disease (powdery mildew). Eliminate the problem with Topaz.
Fungicide is also effective preventively.
Of the pests on Japanese honeysuckle, aphids and scale insects parasitize. Fitoverm is used in the fight against them.
The product is used to combat all types of insects that infest honeysuckle
The healing properties of Japanese honeysuckle
The berries of Japanese honeysuckle are not suitable for eating, they are inedible. May cause signs of intoxication if swallowed: vomiting and upset stomach. The chemical composition of the plant contains substances with medicinal properties:
- antibacterial;
- antipyretic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antivirus.
Flowers, branches of Japanese honeysuckle are used in alternative medicine for the manufacture of tinctures, decoctions, for oral and topical use in the treatment of the following diseases:
- seasonal viral infections;
- sore throats, pharyngitis;
- cystitis.
Remedies for skin pathologies, including purulent ones, are effective.
Conclusion
Japanese honeysuckle and its varieties are vines with a decorative crown. Use the plant to decorate the personal plot, decorate the walls of residential buildings. Honeysuckle does not respond to gas pollution in megacities. It can often be found in urban recreation areas, parks, squares, kindergartens and playgrounds.
