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Planting time for Lonicera sempervirens (Blanche Sandman) in zone 7b?
Elizabeth Crutchley
Posts: 1
in Plants
I just received semi-dormant Lonicera sempervirens (Blanche Sandman), which were grown in zone 7a, and I'm planning to plant then in a container to vine onto two trellises. When is the best time to plant them here in 7b (Philadelphia, PA)? Photo attached.
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We're mainly based in Britain on the forum Elizabeth so it can be hard to give advice. I don't know the variety you have either. Can you give us a general idea of your weather conditions?
As a normal guide, you can plant any time other than when ground is frozen or waterlogged. As you're planting into containers, that doesn't really apply, but I'd avoid doing it if you have very cold weather coming so that the roots don't freeze after you water the plants in. You'd have to use some fleece for a bit of protection initially if that's the case. If they're like most honeysuckles, they don't grow so well in pots and containers because they need a decent amount of room to get their roots out and down. Sorry if that's not very helpful
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Elizabeth, they are better planted in the ground rather than in pots to start with. If you have to plant in pots make sure it's a big pot! It's vigorous and will need plenty of moisture. They are best grown in partial shade, like all honeysuckle. They're a native of the eastern US, so they will cope with all the weather the US can throw at it. Growing in pots though will present it's own problems, insulation in very cold weather and at least weekly watering given the humidity you get there. As fairygirl said, maybe the answers we've given aren't as helpful as you'd hoped for.