Lonicera Nitida Problems
Lonicera nitida, commonly known as the box honeysuckle, is a popular choice for gardeners seeking a dense, evergreen shrub suitable for hedges and topiary. Its small leaves and quick growth rate make it a favorite. However, as with all plants, ensuring its health requires understanding its unique needs.
The Issue with Fertilization:
A recurring concern among gardeners is the health and appearance of their Lonicera nitida. Signs such as discoloration or damaged leaves can lead to suspicions of frost damage, pests, or even diseases. However, a less considered but highly probable cause can be human error, particularly in the application of fertilisers.
Lonicera nitida is known for its hardiness. Typically, they are unaffected by pests or even severe frost, which eliminates these as likely culprits for sudden deterioration in health.
The Unnecessary Fertiliser Problem:
One common misconception is that all plants require regular feeding with fertilisers to grow and thrive. In the case of Lonicera nitida, this is not true. They seldom need added nutrients, as they can grow quite well without any external help. Over-fertilising, or even just the act of applying unnecessary fertilisers, can do more harm than good. If a gardener applies fertiliser directly onto the leaves, there’s a risk of “burning” the plant. This burn manifests as discoloration or damage, similar to what one might expect from a disease or pest.
What to Do if Over-Fertilisation Occurs:
If there’s a suspicion that the Lonicera nitida has suffered due to excessive or improperly applied fertiliser, it’s essential to take swift action:
- Clarify the Application: It’s crucial to understand what kind of fertiliser was used and why. If an external gardening service was employed, ask them for specifics. Not all gardeners are familiar with the unique needs of each plant, so ensuring clear communication can prevent future issues.
- Wash the Plant: If it’s believed that an inappropriate or overly concentrated fertiliser was applied, consider washing the plant thoroughly with a hose. This can help flush away some of the excess nutrients and reduce further damage. However, it’s essential to act quickly, as waiting might reduce the effectiveness of this solution.
- Trimming Back: Lonicera nitida is resilient. Even if the plant looks damaged, they can often recover with a bit of care. Consider trimming back any severely affected areas. This can promote new growth and help the plant bounce back faster.
- Patience: Recovery might not be immediate. It’s essential to be patient and monitor the plant’s health over the subsequent weeks.
Conclusion:
While Lonicera nitida is a robust and hardy plant, it’s not immune to the impacts of over-fertilisation. Understanding the plant’s needs and ensuring proper care can ensure its health and longevity. If in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and avoid unnecessary applications. Remember, sometimes less is more, especially when it comes to feeding this particular shrub.
