Many species of honeysuckle are common, including forest honeysuckle, garden honeysuckle, evergreen honeysuckle, fire honeysuckle and Japanese honeysuckle. While some species are deciduous and others are evergreen, others are semi-evergreen. But how do they grow?
How does honeysuckle grow as a climbing plant?
Honeysuckle is a climbing plant that can reach heights of 4 to 10 m, depending on the species. It needs climbing support such as pergolas, fences or trees to grow up and prefers partially shaded locations with moist soil.
Climbing without additional help
Honeysuckle is a climbing shrub that originates in many parts of the world. Among other things, it occurs naturally in Europe, Asia and the USA. It has no roots, but instead winds itself up on objects. It winds to the right. Its shoots can grow to meters long and become woody over time.
The average height of growth
Among others, the golden honeysuckle, the garden honeysuckle and the forest honeysuckle can reach growth heights of up to 10 m. Other species such as the red honeysuckle and the fire honeysuckle are rather small, growing to a height of around 4 m.
Growth depends on location
If you plant honeysuckle, you should look at the location. If there is a lot of shade, honeysuckles grow slower, branch less and become bald more quickly. But if they want and are able, they grow towards the light. They prefer to be in partial shade in moist soil. There they grow an average of 40 to 60 cm per year.
Which objects are suitable for climbing
Unlike ivy, honeysuckle requires support when climbing. It is advisable to think not only about climbing aids (€76.00 on Amazon), but also about cross elements that serve as protection against slipping. Suitable climbing objects include:
- Pergolas
- Arbors
- Fences
- Goals
- Trees and bushes
- House facades with wire ropes
- Bamboo sticks
- Trellis
- Walls
- Woodshed
What care does this climbing plant need?
Just like other climbing plants, honeysuckle can quickly get out of hand and become a nuisance. Therefore, it should be regularly pruned. In addition, the soil needs a constantly moist environment. Its nutrient requirements are moderate. In nutrient-rich soils there is no need for regular fertilizer application.
Tips & Tricks
Whether as a natural boundary, as a privacy screen, as an ornamental flower or something else – a minimum distance of 3 m should be maintained between this climbing plant and other plants.
