What are the methods for dwarfing honeysuckle?
Honeysuckle, also known as Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), is a very famous medicinal herb. Honeysuckle is a household name because of its special effect of clearing heat and reducing internal heat; almost any medicine for clearing heat and reducing internal heat is very likely to contain honeysuckle, and the human body absorbs the active ingredients of honeysuckle very well. Because the rhizome of honeysuckle is relatively thin and its growth rate is relatively fast, its tree shape and growth are difficult to control and regulate, so we need to dwarf honeysuckle. So below, Shuaishuai will tell everyone about the methods for dwarfing honeysuckle!
☆What is honeysuckle dwarfing?☆
Honeysuckle dwarfing is used because its rhizome is too slender, which leads to excessive growth and makes the overall tree shape difficult to control. This causes honeysuckle to have long internodes and fewer flowers. So to solve this problem, the concept of honeysuckle dwarfing came about. For the detailed steps, let's continue reading below:
1. Control water and fertilizer
First, when honeysuckle dwarfing is observed, the usual water and fertilizer for honeysuckle must be controlled. The previous amount of fertilizer and water should now be reduced, with control applied to watering and fertilizing by reducing the amount each time. This is especially true in spring, when there are many rainy days, so we need to avoid rain. In addition, the number of waterings should be reduced, because the air humidity on rainy days will definitely rise. To achieve the dwarfing effect, the internodes must also be shortened, and before the honeysuckle flower buds grow out, the number of flowers should be increased. In addition, during the period when the branches stop growing and the bud gestation period, nitrogen fertilizer should be applied reasonably to supplement the plant with nitrogen, so that the flowers can bloom large and vivid.
2. Repot at the right time
The interval for repotting honeysuckle should be one or two years longer than the usual repotting interval. For example, ordinary potted flowers are repotted only once every one or two years, while honeysuckle should be repotted once every three or four years. Because the repotting interval is too long, the number of times honeysuckle is repotted should correspondingly become fewer, and the root absorption function of honeysuckle will naturally decline somewhat, making the plant more aged. This slows the overall growth rate of the plant, makes the whole tree shape more balanced, and the local rhizome of honeysuckle will also become thicker instead of growing longer and more slender. The whole plant shape will then be dwarfed, thereby making the flowers more luxuriant.
3. Control shoots with growth inhibitors
In addition to physically inhibiting and dwarfing it, we can also use chemical means. Yes, that means applying chemicals. We can use some commonly used growth inhibitors to control its growth. When honeysuckle grows to 5 cm, it can be sprayed with paclobutrazol and B9 solution or chlormequat, all of which can be effective. Several consecutive applications can effectively inhibit the rampant growth of stems and vines and dwarf the overall tree shape.
4. Dwarfing, shaping and pruning
Honeysuckle can be dwarfed when it is first potted and planted. It is pruned for shaping. If pruned regularly in this way, its local branches can grow thicker and larger instead of tending to grow slender. In addition, any very dense and very thick shoots found should be removed, so that more nutrients can be freed up for the growth of flower buds. The tips should be pinched. When pruning, always follow one rule: cut the long and keep the short, so that it looks more clearly layered.
5. Long-day treatment
Because honeysuckle's growth habit is light-loving, while dwarfing it, sufficient light must also be ensured, with good ventilation to prevent leggy growth of stems and vines. Full sun conditions are best, and scattered light should be the main type. This can make the dwarfing effect better, produce more flowers, and also help extend the flowering period.
The above are the methods for dwarfing honeysuckle. Did everyone learn them? If honeysuckle is not dwarfed, the number of flowers will decrease, so everyone must learn this skill! It is very helpful for the number of flowers on the honeysuckle you grow. To learn more related information, please continue to follow Qinnong Network!