Overview of Lonicera oblongifolia (Goldie) Hook. var. altissima (Jennings) Rehd.
Lonicera oblongifolia (Goldie) Hook. var. altissima (Jennings) Rehd. is a species of honeysuckle plant that belongs to the family Caprifoliaceae. It has several common names, including Swamp Fly Honeysuckle, Tall Honeysuckle, and Oblong-Leaved Honeysuckle. The plant is native to North America, specifically to eastern Canada and the northeast United States. It grows in a variety of habitats, including swamps, moist thickets, and rocky slopes.
Appearance
Lonicera oblongifolia (Goldie) Hook. var. altissima (Jennings) Rehd. is a deciduous shrub that typically grows up to 1-3 meters tall. It has smooth, light grey bark that flakes as it ages. The plant has slender, oblong leaves that are a dark green color above and pale green underneath. The leaves are up to 9 cm long and 2 cm wide. The shrub blooms from May to July, producing small, tubular, yellowish-white flowers that are about 1.5 cm long. These flowers are fragrant and attract insects, which help to pollinate the plant.
Uses
Lonicera oblongifolia (Goldie) Hook. var. altissima (Jennings) Rehd. has several practical uses. The plant's leaves and bark have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, pain, and respiratory infections. The fruit of the plant is also edible, but it is not commonly consumed due to its bitter taste. The plant is often used in landscaping, as it is easy to grow and provides an attractive shrub with fragrant flowers. Additionally, Lonicera oblongifolia (Goldie) Hook. var. altissima (Jennings) Rehd. is sometimes used in erosion control due to its ability to stabilize soil.
Light requirements
Lonicera oblongifolia var. altissima prefers a bright, filtered light or partial shade. It can tolerate full sun but only in areas with sufficient moisture levels. Too much direct sunlight can cause leaf scalding, yellowing, and stunted growth.
Temperature requirements
This plant is generally tolerant of a range of temperatures, but it prefers moderate temperatures in the range of 15-25°C (60-80°F). It can withstand extreme temperatures, but prolonged periods of high or low temperatures can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to diseases and pests.
Soil requirements
Lonicera oblongifolia var. altissima grows best in a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.0-6.5. The plant is sensitive to high pH levels, and a soil that is too alkaline can cause leaf yellowing and stunt growth. It can thrive in various soil types, including sandy soils, loamy soils, and clay soils, as long as they are well-draining.
Cultivation Methods
Lonicera oblongifolia (Goldie) Hook. var. altissima (Jennings) Rehd. is a deciduous shrub that grows up to 2 meters high and wide. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. The plant is frost-resistant and can survive in temperatures of up to -40°C. Planting should be done in the early spring or fall.
Watering Needs
Lonicera oblongifolia (Goldie) Hook. var. altissima (Jennings) Rehd. requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Watering can be done once or twice a week, depending on the weather and the soil type. During the first year of growth, the plant requires more watering than after it has established itself.
Fertilization
Lonicera oblongifolia (Goldie) Hook. var. altissima (Jennings) Rehd. benefits from fertilization during the early spring. The fertilizer should be well-balanced, and the amount used should be in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for Lonicera oblongifolia (Goldie) Hook. var. altissima (Jennings) Rehd. as it promotes better growth and increases flower production. The best time to prune is during the late winter or early spring. Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed first, followed by weak or crossing branches. The plant should be pruned to maintain its natural shape, and excessive pruning should be avoided.
Propagation of Lonicera oblongifolia var. altissima
Lonicera oblongifolia var. altissima, commonly known as tall shrub honeysuckle, is a deciduous shrub found in North America. Though this plant can grow up to 10 feet tall, it is a slow-growing shrub that is easy to propagate using different methods.
Propagation by seeds
The most common way to propagate Lonicera oblongifolia var. altissima is by seeds. Seeds can be collected from berries that ripen in late summer and early fall, and sown immediately or stored over the winter in a cool, dry place. Before sowing, the seeds must undergo a period of stratification in the refrigerator for one month. Afterward, they can be planted in a well-drained soil mixture and kept moist. Seedlings will emerge within two to four weeks.
Propagation by cuttings
Lonicera oblongifolia var. altissima can also be propagated by cuttings taken from mature wood in late fall or early winter. Cuttings that are six to eight inches long can be taken and dipped into a rooting hormone. Then they can be planted in a well-drained soil mixture and kept moist. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, bright place for optimal rooting. Roots will appear within four to six weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted to their new growing location.
Propagation by layering
Another method of propagating Lonicera oblongifolia var. altissima is by layering. In late winter or early spring, a low branch of the plant can be selected and bent down to the ground. A portion of the branch can be wounded, treated with rooting hormone, and then buried in soil. The branch should be kept moist, and new shoots should appear in a few weeks. Once the roots have developed, the new shrub can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to its new growing location.
Disease Management
Lonicera oblongifolia var. altissima is generally resistant to diseases and has no major disease problems. However, under specific environmental conditions, the plant may suffer from some diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease causes a powdery white coating on plant leaves, which can lead to leaf distortion and drop. To manage this disease, ensure good air circulation, adequate spacing between plants, and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides such as biological fungicide Bacillus subtilis or synthetic fungicide myclobutanil can also be applied.
Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on leaves, which can lead to defoliation. Management practices include removing infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, improve air circulation, and apply fungicides such as copper-based fungicides or chlorothalonil.
Rust: This fungal disease causes rust-colored spots on leaves, which can lead to leaf loss. Rust-resistant cultivars are recommended, and ensure that plants have adequate spacing and good air circulation. Fungicides such as neem oil or myclobutanil can be used as a management practice if necessary.
Pest Management
Lonicera oblongifolia var. altissima is susceptible to some insect pests such as aphids, scales, and spider mites, among others. Pest management practices include cultural control measures and the use of insecticides or biological control agents.
Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause leaf curling, stunted growth, and yellowing leaves. To manage aphids, remove affected plant parts, provide natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps, and apply insecticides such as neem oil, insecticidal soap or pyrethrin.
Scales: These small insects attach to leaves and stems and can cause reduced plant vigor or death. Control measures include pruning affected parts, removing scales with a soft brush or cotton swab, and applying insecticides such as neem oil or horticultural oil.
Spider Mites: These tiny insects can cause yellow speckling on leaves, webbing, and defoliation. Management practices include pruning infected plant parts, improve humidity levels, provide natural predators such as beneficial mites, and apply insecticides such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.
It is important to carefully follow the label instructions when using pesticides to manage pests or diseases to ensure that they are applied correctly and safely.
