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| Sunday, 2 February 2003 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Where are the honeysuckles? by Gwen Herat Ever wondered what happened to the honeysuckles in Sri Lanka? As children, we found these glorious flowers in gardens and roadside fences but today, it is seldom that one would come across it. Honeysuckle has a heavenly scent and over the years, the species have undergone change to produce several colours and forms. They are mostly climbers and profusely laden with flowers and in Sri Lanka, one might come across some of the exquisite varieties among horticulturists. In England, the honeysuckle dates back to centuries of existence where even William Shakespeare mentioned this flower in Midsummer Night's Dream. Often considered as a woodland plant from the beginning, it was developed over the decades into over 180 species around the world. Among them the evergreen bushes are stocky while the climbers are capable of getting up to even the tallest trees. They scramble up easily and spread out their blooms and spread the scent to distant places. Honeysuckle is very characteristic in that many are not worthy having in a garden because of their coarse and insipid flowers that are not appealing to the eye. Such plants should never replace any other especially where space is limited. However, the hardcore honeysuckle is so beautiful and spectacular when in bloom that it is difficult to imagine a garden without them. Versatile They are versatile and can be displayed for interest at flowering seasons because hardly a month will go by without flowers at least from one species. Or for that matter, their colourful berries and handsome foliage will substitute for flowers in their absence. Honeysuckle can even cover a small roof with their spreading leaves and laden flowers making it heavenly a scene for the beholder. Among many of them, L. Periclymenum Belgica is the most popular woodbine that produce masses of flowers in summer and months to follow. They withstand the rain and keep flowering their red and ochre-yellow blooms and the scent is present all the time. The scent becomes stronger as evening changes to dusk and folter into the house. It is a glorious experience. However, the most popular is the Halliana whose blooms continue to come out in pairs along the stems most part of the year. The sun is not very easy on them because the flowers are of pale cream and turn into dark yellow before they fade. Lot of sunlight often hastens this process but the mixture of pale cream and yellow (fading) flowers are a terrific sight. Some of the other varieties that are popular in gardens are L. Caprifolium, L. Sempervirens and L. Tellmaniaana. They are warm-coloured and can be easily displayed with their dramatic flowers in climbers. They have the strength to push their way up to the tallest trees and droop down in cascades of flowers and are best in informal gardens. Being thornless, honeysuckles are easy to handle when pruning. Varieties Besides the well-known woodbines, there are several varieties of honeysuckles that make wonderful shrubs. Many gardeners who are familiar with this flower will naturally be knowing the species L Nitida with its tiny box-like foliage and wiry stems. Very easy to propagate because of its fast growing tendency, this species will weather out any condition. L Etrucsa Superba is strong growing and very versatile and can be grown as a shrub or trained as a creeper capable of climbing up to the tallest tree in your garden. They are found in Sri Lankan gardens though many are unaware of its identity. They produce a combination of pink-flushed and yellow flowers that form into sprays. Fragrant throughout the day and night they are a wonderful charmer in any garden. It is easy to cultivate honeysuckles. No complicated process is required and no scientific method is necessary unlike other plants. Cuttings are best taken from the plants while in full growth. Propagation To stimulate growth, a rooting medium can be applied before placing them in soil. You may even root them in polythene until growth takes place and place the seedlings in their permanent places, preferably under an arch or a spreading tree but with lot of sunshine seeping through. Once grown, the creeper will climb up naturally and spread itself evenly on the branches. It should be on short trees to facilitate pruning later on. Soil Layering is also a good method because most species will layer themselves and if not checked on time, will sprawl a great complex of shrubs and suckers. The best results are obtained from soils that are rich and leafy with plenty of moisture-retaining organic matter. Leaf mould, dried and crushed cattle manure with a dash of coir dust is the best base. Once established, the roots will remain strong coping with even hot dry soil. Pruning To keep the plants down, hard pruning is necessary. However, spare the heads in order where they can scale the trees or a trellis. It is best to prune off leaves and small branches once the creeper has climbed and settled down. This will allow cleaning up the base root and maintain manuring and watering without waste. Early varieties bloom early on last year's growth and needs pruning immediately after flowering. Cutting back hard will encourage rapid growth in time for next year's display. Problems Aphids are a real threat, attacking plants that are dry at the root or at growing time, especially if the site is too hot and humid. Aphids are dangerous as they transmit a virus that is deadly which weaken and eventually kill honeysuckle. To control them, use a relevant spray or propagate the plants in a cool surrounding that will not attract aphids. Some varieties Lonicera Japonica Halliana, L Periclymenum Harlrquin, L Splendida, L X Purpush, L Tragphylla, L Periclymenum Graham Thomas A favourite among honeysuckles, L B Browni Dropmore Scarlet is one of the earliest species in this group and can be found in Sri Lankan gardens. Scarlet in colour, produces a vivid colour. Soothing to the eye with a display of dramatic golden colour of summer, L X Tellmaniana can even grip a warm dry wall to climber. It is a good investment in a garden for scent and colour. |
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