Shrub Honeysuckle, waste of time?

[Javaman4373]

Being invasive, I usually destroy honeysuckle when I can. In the process of cutting down this one that I found growing on a rock, I thought it might have interest. So I potted it. It is not the optimal time of year or weather (over 90) today, but these plants are indestructible without using herbicides. The long linear growth they show in a given growing season does not seem very adaptable to bonsai, nevertheless, some people do use them. So I potted the remains of this one, that I had just chopped off the top. It has a twin trunk over an interesting roots, which could be problematic. Should I throw it out or work with it and see what can be done?

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

If you like the way it looks, keep watering it. If you don't like it, throw it on the compost heap.

Shrub honeysuckle is not an easy subject, the long internodes between buds is a pain. But if you like the fallen over log look of the root that you have on your start, keep working with it. Occasionally bush honeysuckle specimens make it to bonsai shows. So it can be done.

 

[HorseloverFat]

They are a great deal of "work"... for very slow results, and easy mistakes... but tough as nails and attractive to wildlife.

I've been working with some local Lonicera for a few years... and am JUST NOW beginning to "understand" them.

Endemic honeysuckles, NOW, personally, fall under, "A damn good/aesthetically-pleasing specimen is 'worth it'" consideration.

I just started a Thread on North American Lonicera in the TinyTree Study Group Sub-Forum.... it's cold-weather heavy there, too...

You should check it out.. you'd probably be the first reply, given how "new" it(Lonicera Thread) is.

 

[HorseloverFat]

Don't give/leave too many low options... they take a "cut and run" approach sometimes to nutrient/resource delivery (if struggling/recovering AT ALL)