Propagating Pink Honeysuckle Shrub

Lonicera tatarica, the pink honeysuckle tree, which can also be called tartarian honeysuckle. The tree is indigenous to Asia and grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 through 10. Tartarian honeysuckle grows 5 to 12 feet high. This shrub does well in partial shade and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden. Propagation is done by layering, cuttings or seeds.

Layering

Layering is the propagation technique which consists of a partly buried stem which origins to make a new plant. The flexible stems of this tartarian honeysuckle bend smoothly to the bottom for layering. Pick a healthy stem which grows close to the bottom of the shrub. Dig a small trench with the shrub and wound the center of the stem which touches the ground. Bury the wounded area from the trench but abandon the tip of the stem above the ground. Place a huge rock or cinder block on the buried section of the stem to hold it in place. The wounded section of this stem will grow origins, and the vulnerable end of the stem will continue to grow. When a good root system forms, sever the stem to ensure that the new roots are connected to the stem tip. Replant the newest honeysuckle plant where you desire.

Cuttings

Propagate tartarian honeysuckle through cuttings taken in late spring or early summer to clone an existing plant. Make cuttings which are 4 to 6 inches long and eliminate all but the top two leaves. Dip the bare end of the cuttings into a rooting hormone and stick to a pot filled with potting soil. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag and place in a light window. Keep the soil moist until roots form in about 4 weeks. Transplant the plants into separate containers until the plants are about 12 inches tall. Transplant the tartarian honeysuckle into the landscape to ensure that the plants can establish themselves before winter.

Seeds

Propagate tartarian honeysuckle from seeds gathered in the end of summer. Mix the seeds with moist peat moss and store them in a sandwich bag from the fridge. Keep the seeds cool for at least 12 weeks to mimic the cold temperatures of winter. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in a garden apartment. Water the seeds and set the apartment in a warm, sunny site. Keep the soil moist until the seeds sprout. Transplant the seedlings into separate containers when the first pair of true leaves kind. Grow the plants in containers until they reach a height of 12 inches. Transplant the plants into the garden when outdoor temperatures reach 55 degrees.

New Plant Care

Pinch the tops of new plants to encourage lateral growth and bushier plants. Honeysuckle prefers cool temperatures to get the sunlight and roots for the flowers and leaves. This usually means the vine thrives in partial shade under trees or beside outbuildings. Once established, tartarian honeysuckle is drought-tolerant but favors well-drained soil. Prune each year to encourage healthy growth and alleviate leggy growth. You can train the vine to grow past a fence or other structure and prune the ends to maintain the tartarian honeysuckle confined to a particular section of the lawn.

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