Overview
Lonicera subspicata Hook. & Arn. var. johnstonii Keck, also known as Johnston's honeysuckle, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family. It is primarily found in western North America, particularly in California and Oregon, as well as in British Columbia.
Description
Johnston's honeysuckle typically grows up to 6-10 feet in height and 4-6 feet in width, forming thickets of multiple stems. The plant has oval-shaped, green leaves that measure 1-3 inches in length and a smooth bark with a pale brown to grayish color. The flowers are tubular and yellow-white in color, with a sweet fragrance, and bloom from May to August. The fruit of the plant is a round, berry-like red fruit that appears after the flowers, which attracts birds and other wildlife.
Uses
Johnston's honeysuckle is known for its ornamental value and often used in landscaping for its showy flowers, attractive foliage, and fragrant scent. It can also be used for erosion control and as a wildlife habitat. The berries of the plant are edible and can be used to make jams, jellies, and syrup, although they are not commonly consumed. Some Native American tribes also have used the plant for medicinal purposes, including treating respiratory ailments and fever.
Despite its many useful traits, Johnston's honeysuckle is considered invasive and can outcompete native plants in some areas, disrupting the natural ecosystem. Therefore, it's important that the plant is used responsibly and with care.
Light Requirements
Lonicera subspicata Hook. & Arn. var. johnstonii Keck prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but too much shade can lead to weak and leggy growth. Therefore, it's better to plant it in a location that receives direct sunlight for at least six hours a day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the western side of North America and thrives in a variety of temperatures. It can tolerate both warm and cold climates but prefers cooler temperature ranges. In general, it grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, where temperatures range from -20°F to 100°F (-29°C to 38°C). It's important to note that extreme temperature fluctuations can harm the plant, so it's best to avoid exposing it to sudden changes in temperature.
Soil Requirements
Lonicera subspicata Hook. & Arn. var. johnstonii Keck prefers well-drained, medium loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5 to 7.0). It can grow in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, as long as the soil is not too compacted or waterlogged. It's important to add organic matter to the soil to improve drainage and fertility. Furthermore, it's important to ensure that the soil is not too dry or too moist as this can lead to poor growth and ultimately death of the plant.
Cultivation methods
Lonicera subspicata Hook. & Arn. var. johnstonii Keck is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in well-draining loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The plant prefers full to partial sunlight exposure and is drought tolerant once established.
Watering needs
You should water Lonicera subspicata Hook. & Arn. var. johnstonii Keck regularly during the growing season, especially during periods of prolonged drought. Allow the soil to dry between watering sessions, and avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer to Lonicera subspicata Hook. & Arn. var. johnstonii Keck in early spring before the onset of new growth. Repeat the fertilizer application after two months to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
Pruning
You can prune Lonicera subspicata Hook. & Arn. var. johnstonii Keck in early spring to remove dead or diseased branches and control its size and shape. Light pruning is recommended after flowering to encourage bushier growth and remove spent flowers.
Propagation of Lonicera subspicata Hook. & Arn. var. johnstonii Keck
Lonicera subspicata Hook. & Arn. var. johnstonii Keck, commonly known as Johnston's honeysuckle, is a deciduous shrub that is native to the western United States. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods.
Seed propagation
The easiest way to propagate Lonicera subspicata var. johnstonii is through seed propagation. However, the seeds must go through a stratification process before planting. This involves storing the seeds in a moist medium, such as peat moss, at a temperature of 40°F to 45°F for several weeks or months. After stratification, sow the seeds in well-draining soil and keep them moist until they germinate. Germination usually takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Cuttings propagation
Lonicera subspicata var. johnstonii can also be propagated through softwood cuttings. Take cuttings from the plant in late spring to early summer, when the stems are still young and flexible. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cutting in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil and keep it moist until it roots. This usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Layering propagation
Another propagation method for Lonicera subspicata var. johnstonii is through layering. Select a low-lying branch and remove leaves from the area where the branch touches the ground. Gently wound the stem where it will touch the ground, apply rooting hormone, and cover it with soil. Keep the soil moist until roots form, which can take several months. Once roots have developed, separate the new plant from the parent plant and transplant it to a new location.
Disease Management for Lonicera subspicata Hook. & Arn. var. johnstonii Keck
Several diseases can affect Lonicera subspicata Hook. & Arn. var. johnstonii Keck. One of the common diseases is powdery mildew, which appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. Another disease is leaf spot, which causes dark spots on the leaves and can lead to their premature defoliation. To manage these diseases, it is essential to keep the plant's environment clean and dry as much as possible. In case of severe infection, fungicides can be used as a last resort.
Pest Management for Lonicera subspicata Hook. & Arn. var. johnstonii Keck
Several pests can damage the Lonicera subspicata Hook. & Arn. var. johnstonii Keck plant. One of the common pests is aphids, which can cause yellowing of the leaves, stunting of growth, and deformation of the flowers. Another pest is spider mites, which can cause yellowing, and eventually browning of leaves, as well as webbing. Regular checks on the plant can help detect pest infestation early. Natural predators, like ladybugs, can help manage the pests. In case of severe infestation, insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils can be used to manage the pests.
