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Honeysuckle plant varieties can be found throughout the northern hemisphere. In particular, this plant is very common in China. There are about 180 honeysuckle plant species in the world which includes the Cape honeysuckle plant, wild honeysuckle plant, and coral honeysuckle plant.
The honeysuckle plant gives off a fragrant smell and produces edible and sweet nectar that can attract hordes of birds and beneficial insects to your garden. They are extensively used in making perfumes, medicinal products, and cosmetic goods. This plant is very easy to grow, care for and can tolerate heat very well.
The honeysuckle plant produces strong vines that can be used in basket making. Their vines are usually softened by soaking them in water for hours. When the vines dry, they can be quite durable and attractive. Artfully designed baskets that are made from honeysuckle vines can fetch a good price in the market.
The honeysuckle plant prefers well drained soil that does not easily get sodden. This plant loves direct sun exposure though it can also thrive in partial shade (it would bloom less frequently though). This plant can grow vigorously if given organic mulch regularly.
Planting should be done during spring after the last frost. Ideally, plants should be placed at least three feet apart. On the other hand, if you would plan to use them as groundcover you can reduce the spacing distance to just two feet.
Place leaf mulch at the base of the plant to shade the roots and promote moisture retention. Leaf mulch can also provide protection to the roots during winter. During the initial stages of growing, it is recommended that you water your honeysuckle plant frequently. Once it has matured, you can limit watering to dry spells during the summer season.
A good quality fertilizer (10-10-10) should be applied to your plant during the start of the growing season and during the middle of its blooming phase.
Two years after planting, you can start to prune your honeysuckle. Time this activity during the months of February and March. To encourage new growth, you should remove the dead and weak leaves.
Honeysuckle plant varieties that are not native to your area can become a nuisance in your garden. If left to themselves, non-native varieties can grow thick foliage that can block nutrients, light, and water that other plants need. Overgrowth of non-endemic honeysuckle plants can also have negative repercussions to insect and animal life in your garden.
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
Get all the facts about plant and tree identification and gardening information at GreenThumbArticles.com!
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