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2 new plants- help

John473John473 Posts: 62
in Plants

Hi 

I bought two new plants today. 

First off is Honeysuckle (Lonicera Henryi). I have had honeysuckle in the past but it always seemed to get infested with mildew and white fly. It never flourished. I plan to plant it on a west fading trellis. Anyone got an tips? 

Second is solanum laxum. i haven't grown this before- i will put it on a west facing trellis too. 

My soil is clay. I lost some nice plants last year - my garden is low lying and I suspect I don't have enough drainage And the roots are rotting. My New Years resolution is not to lose any this year. image

Is there any sure fire tips for these two plants ? Apologies if these are basic questions  

Thanks 

John

Posts

  • Mark56Mark56 Posts: 1,653

    Dig down as far as possible to make sure nothing is blocking drainage, I've heard of people having plastic and all sorts deeper down, as well as builders rubbish/concrete - especially if nearer the house. Add organic matter and LOTS of grit to the planting hole. Sharp sand can be used for Clay as well if it's available to you, it's a work in progress over time for the consistency of the soil but for now grit grit grit, few plants like to sit in wet especially over Winter.

    Last edited: 12 February 2017 16:48:05

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,146

    Honeysuckle frequently succumbs to powdery mildew due to dryness at the roots. Clay soils can dry out quickly.  As has been said you should incorporate lots of organic matter into the planting site along with grit and keep it well watered during dry spells. Don't plant directly at the foot of a fence or wall, plant at least 18" away and train the growth back to the support with canes. 

    Good luck image

    Last edited: 12 February 2017 17:19:51


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • John473John473 Posts: 62

    Thanks all

    i have found all sorts of debris at times- I am in a new build estate - I need to dig deeper again and I'll get sharp sand.

    I planted the previous honeysuckle next to a fence to attach it to a trellis. Maybe 3 inches from it. I'll do what you say- hopefully this is my mistake. 

    appreciate the advice

    thanks

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    A good test is to dig your planting hole and fill it with water. If it doesn't drain away pretty quickly you need to do something to improve drainage. Most important for the Solanum but the Lonicera won't want to sit in a puddle.



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • John473John473 Posts: 62

    Ok will do

  • mireenalopezmireenalopez Posts: 7

    Solanum laxum requires a place which receives full sun and is protected from the wind. Use your fingers so gently for planting this. You can also check many online sites which provide the detailed guidelines for planting these. Let you resolution stay alive always. :) 

  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601

    Before you fill your planting hole with water, go away for half an hour and wait to see if it fills up all by itself. If it does, you have a serious drainage problem, common on clay in low lying areas. If this doesn't happen but the added water is slow to drain, your problem is less serious and the planting advice will do the trick. In the worse case, you can still have your honeysuckle but it needs more effort. The best way I have found is to improve the planting hole as suggested, but to build the soil up above ground level, perhaps 6 - 9 inches and in a circle at least 2 feet across. Plant into this. You will have to rake the soil back up as birds disturb it, water regularly until the plant is established and in summer, and mulch in spring, but your shrubs will not drown during winter. The top roots will eventually stabilise the soil and will need less work.

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