Honeysuckle problem
Swooping Swallow
Posts: 24
I'm new to the forum and would appreciate some advice on a honeysuckle (Lonicera Japonica Halliana). I used to garden but have not done so for a number of years and have forgotten much of the knowledge I once had.
The plant in question is in a pot and waiting to be planted. It was bought a month ago from a supplier of mature plants and measures 1.5meters tall, excluding the pot. It wasn't cheap!
The plant had some distorted levels on delivery, which I did raise with the supplier, who insisted the plant was healthy. An experienced gardening friend of mine also declared it to be healthy, despite some distorted leaves.
The plant was delivered about 3 weeks ago, since when it has deteriorated enormously. The majority of leaves are now distorted by either being misshapen (in a way that reminds me of viral infection), curled (with grey colouring on the underside - powdery mildew), or with an uneven, bumpy surface. Clearly, the plant is in distress and needs nutrients as many leaves are turning yellow and falling off, despite the fact that I have given the plant a balanced weekly liquid feed. Of course, the plant needs planting, but work must be done on the border before this can happen.
Can anyone advise as to what could be wrong with the plant? Instinct tells me it is an unhealthy plant that has deteriorated as a result of being pot bound for too long, not to mention the recent heat. I have watered the plant daily, but perhaps I have over watered it. There are no signs of aphids on the leaves.
Thanks for any replies.
Last edited: 21 June 2017 20:49:51
Posts
A photo would help a lot, but a fast growing plant is going to need more than just water - it's trying to grow and has no food, it's starving.
Can't you get it in the ground quick?
Billericay - Essex
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
From what I've read it has bad powdery mildew and I've sprayed it with rose clear, but from what I remember, once a plant gets this disease badly it just keeps coming back and the plant never really survives. In fact I remember having a hineysuckle in a different property some time ago and it didn't do well either, so I wonder if the best thing to do is destroy it. I don't want the fallen yellowed leaves infecting the soil and nearby plants.
I could try cutting it down to ground level and planting it somewhere discreet, but how can it be treated to prevent whatever the problem is recurring?
Last edited: 21 June 2017 22:11:19
Best cure for mildew is cut back hard and give plenty of air and light which won't be easy in a pot so cut it back, keep up feed and watering and once it is in position where it can spread its branches it will be ok I think. I had a similar problem with growing one up an obelisk now it's in the garden in a trellis it's much much happier
Maybe just repot it for now into somewhere bigger - give it lots of nutrients - then at least it will be able to bide while you prep the final bedding place.