Rooting Honeysuckle

Credit: Flickr / akk_rus

Q: I have two or three cuttings of honeysuckle. How do I let roots grow on it before planting it?

Honeysuckle can be rooted at any time of the year as long as there is green growth on the vine. First, cut a length of about 13 cm (5 in.) of green, soft wood growth from the end of the vines, making sure to get several sets of leaves on it. Then strip the leaves from the ends of the cuttings nearest the cut ends, leaving one or two leaf nodes bare and one or two sets of leaves on the vine. Then dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and place them in damp potting soil or another rooting medium. Place this container in a warm, sunny place and keep the soil moist.

Another option is to place the cuttings in a vase of water and allow the roots to develop, changing the water frequently to prevent rot. Within a couple of weeks, there should be enough root growth (about 2.5 cm/1 in.) to plant a new honeysuckle vine. Once the honeysuckle has rooted, treat it as a seedling and provide it with plenty of sun and water.