Honeysuckle plant is a fragrant plant belonging to the family called “Caprifoliaceae” botanically, from the shrub/ivy group. The honeysuckle plant, which is thought to have about 180 different varieties in the world, can be easily grown in China, Europe, and North America, and can be found in abundance in many parts of the world when suitable conditions are provided. The honeysuckle plant, which is familiar to almost everyone with its fragrant flowers, is generally known for its yellow or white flowers, although there are many different species. So, do you know what are the benefits of honeysuckle?
Honeysuckle not only adds color and a fragrant scent to gardens and balconies but also provides many benefits to the body. Those who want to take advantage of these benefits can dry it and evaluate it, as well as those who wish can use oils obtained from honeysuckle and teas consisting of special mixtures. Honeysuckle supports the healthy functioning of the circulatory system and accelerates blood circulation. It helps to reduce bad cholesterol. The Honeysuckle flower also helps to strengthen the immune system.
What Is Honeysuckle?
Honeysuckle is a flower that we are familiar with and often see. Many of us have a memory of honeysuckle in childhood. But there are many things we don’t know about this flower. Honeysuckle, which requires delicate care, is also a flower with very deep meanings. In the following paragraphs, we will be discussing the care, characteristics, and meanings of the honeysuckle flower.
Honeysuckle is a plant that belongs to the class of ivy. Known by its scientific name as Lonicera Periclymenum, this plant is originally from Europe. But there are close to 200 species and most of these species have high adaptive power. Even though it is a plant of European origin, about 100 of the species in this class grow in Far East countries, especially China. It was named honeysuckle because of the elegant appearance of its flowers. It has a structure that wraps around the place where it is held and is easy to grow. It is also resistant to cold climates.
Honeysuckle flower tends to stretch towards the sun. Therefore, it should be grown in areas that receive plenty of sunlight. Especially the honeysuckle plant in the form of a bush likes sunny environments. Even if grown at home, it should be placed in a place with natural light. It can be grown indoors but generally likes gardens. If grown indoors, the environment should be ventilated frequently. It is not a picky plant about soil. But moist soils are ideal for honeysuckle. It can grow vigorously, especially in well-drained soils. Soils with degrees between 4.5 pH – 8 pH are ideal for honeysuckle.
The irrigation balance needs to be very precise. There is no specific irrigation period, it is sufficient to water as the soil dries. However, irrigation even though it is not needed invites diseases. The irrigation routine is the same for all honeysuckle species.
If you have used quality and rich soil, the plant will not need extra nutritional supplements. You can enrich the soil before planting.
It is not possible to talk about a certain pruning season for honeysuckle. It will be useful to wait for the appropriate time, as the flowers bloom until autumn. When the flowers begin to fall, pruning should be done. But pruning should be completed by the end of winter. If pruning is not done, flower yield and quality will decrease. Some types of honeysuckle flower until spring, which should be pruned as soon as the flowers fall. If the winter season intervenes without pruning, new shoots will not come, so flower yield will decrease, and in this case, flowers may not appear again.
Honeysuckle is a flower that means devotion, loyalty, and trust. It is the natural expression of friendship, trust, which is part of love and affection just like roses. Also, this flower was believed to bring good luck in the past, so it was grown in every garden. In any case, it conveys deep meaning when gifted to a loved one as a bouquet of flowers.
Characteristics of Honeysuckle Flower
Honeysuckle flower, a plant from the Caprifoliaceae family, exists as a plant of the ivy type. The Latin for the honeysuckle flower is “Lonicera etruscaé”. The yellow and white colors of the honeysuckle flower are the most well-known colors of this flower type. Honeysuckle, which has extremely eye-catching colors and beautiful flowers, is among the plant species that have managed to attract the attention of many people.
There are nearly 200 varieties of the honeysuckle flower. The species of this flower, whose homeland is European lands, also grows in China. Honeysuckle flower takes its place among the most eye-catching flowers that are very suitable for gardens. It has unique features both in terms of its appearance and its magnificent smell.
The Honeysuckle flower is a very long-lived plant and can exist for many years if it is always carefully cared for. In terms of this feature, it is a much more preferred flower compared to other flower types and has a very resistant structure against cold. It is very important for flower lovers who want to grow honeysuckle to pay special attention to the care of this flower.
Honeysuckle flower is a flower that can grow very easily in all kinds of soil, so it does not require a special soil preference. It is important to water this flower continuously from the beginning of spring to the end of autumn. It is a flower that does not require fertilizer in its care. It is important to keep the honeysuckle flower in an environment at certain intervals. Honeysuckle flower grows very well outdoors, so it will be useful to keep it in environments with plenty of air.
The honeysuckle flower, which can easily adapt to every climate and can withstand even very cold temperatures, does not have a certain planting time. There are many different methods of propagating the honeysuckle flower. However, the easiest among these methods is to cut a mature branch with the help of pruning shears in the summer and plant it in the ground. The branch part of the flower planted in the ground begins to grow in a short time. It is very important to choose the right fruits for seed propagation of the plant and wait for it to mature. It is sufficient to choose a seed that reaches a certain maturity.
Your irrigation frequency should be determined according to the age, condition of the honeysuckle flower, and the dryness of the soil. Less watering can be done for very young honeysuckle flowers, but as the plant ages, it needs more watering. In addition, care should be taken to water the honeysuckle plant at more frequent intervals during the flowering periods. The dryness of the soil should be considered in determining the amount and frequency of irrigation. The flower should always be watered so that the soil remains moist. Accordingly, the soil should not be completely dry or liquid enough to be muddy. It is a plant that is usually grown in gardens, not balconies, as it develops in the form of ivy or bush. However, when suitable conditions are provided, it can be easily grown on the balcony of the house.
The Honeysuckle flower represents devotion in terms of the meaning it expresses. Therefore, many people can easily gift honeysuckle flowers to their loved ones. It was named honeysuckle because of the appearance of the flower and its elegance. Honeysuckle with unexploded flowers looks like the hands of a woman with slender fingers. In ancient times, there was a belief that the honeysuckle flower brought good luck. The honeysuckle flower, which draws attention with its magnificent beauty and scent, has its own remarkable features. These are listed below:
- It grows quite fast
- The flower part of the honeysuckle flower is mostly white or yellow. In addition, it has a pleasant smell.
- It sheds its leaves in line with the weather conditions of their place. Some honeysuckle flower varieties are always leafy.
- It has red or black fruits and these fruits are very ornate and have an extremely beautiful appearance,
- Some varieties of honeysuckle flower are ivy and some varieties are bush type. Some species of this flower cling to the place where it clings.
- It is possible to say that the honeysuckle flower withstands a lot of colds. Some species of this flower can withstand cold down to -30 degrees.
- The ideal environment for honeysuckle flowers is gardens.
- It grows much healthier in environments with plenty of air.
- Humus soil should be preferred for honeysuckle flowers to be grown in pots.
- It is very important for this plant to be able to develop sufficiently so that it can bloom. It can sometimes take up to 4 years to reach maturity to bloom.
Honeysuckle flower is among the medicinal plants. In this regard, it is possible to see many benefits when a honeysuckle flower is consumed as a tea. These are listed below:
- It is anti-aging
- It has an anti-wrinkle effect,
- It accelerates blood circulation,
- It is beneficial for cardiovascular health,
- It has a significant effect on the faster functioning of the metabolism.
- It prevents blockages that may occur in the brain vessels.
Honeysuckle Flower and Its Health Benefits
If you smell a pleasant smell when you pass through the gardens or side streets; know that one of the sources of this fragrance is honeysuckle flower. The honeysuckle flower, which you can not stop looking at with its elegant appearance, is a flower that adorns the front of apartments and shops. This very delicate flower comes from ivy and shrub species. The honeysuckle flower, which envelops the place where it is held, has unknown benefits.
We are opening a very special topic for those who want to do detailed research on the properties of honeysuckle flower, and we put the unique features of the honeysuckle flower, which smells the streets with its perfume effect, in these lines. How long the honeysuckle flower lives? What are the benefits of the honeysuckle flower? Let’s answer these questions one by one!
- Honeysuckle flowers have the property of rapid growth. They carry a refreshing and calming scent.
- It is an aesthetically ornate and beautiful-looking flower. It grows black and red fruits.
- There are 2 different honeysuckle flowers, ivy and bush type. It develops by wrapping the place where it takes root.
- Honeysuckle flowers adapt to the climate of their environment. While some species can stay strong even at very low temperatures; some may shed their leaves in windy weather.
- You can grow honeysuckle both in your garden and on the balcony in pots. When you provide an efficient environment, it will smell the environment with its pleasant smell.
- If you are wondering if the honeysuckle flower is long-lived, it can reach 7 meters and live for a long time when you take care of it.
- Cleaning detergents and perfumes are prepared with the extracts obtained from the honeysuckle flower. These products make you feel the scent of this flower in every area of your life.
- In addition, the honeysuckle flower is a plant that gives honey. When you pull the thin stalk between the leaves, there is some honey at the tip. There are also those who directly consume this honey.
Has Antioxidant Effects
The Honeysuckle flower has antioxidants that will keep diseases away from the body. Since it is an antioxidant flower, it can protect the body from microbes thanks to the tea obtained from the honeysuckle flower. Those who want to fight infection in natural and herbal ways can consume honeysuckle flower tea.
Strengthens the Immune System
Yellow and white honeysuckle flowers have an important place in Chinese medicine. Thanks to the honeysuckle flower, which has a high vitamin value, the immune system can be controlled. The fruits of the honeysuckle flower with black fruits are suitable for consumption and increase body resistance.
Protects Oral Health
Honeysuckle flower also has effects on oral health. Natural mouthwash is made with it. This flower, which has a unique aroma, is boiled in water and a cold mouthwash is made with this water.
Since it is an antioxidant, it keeps the mouth protected from germs and caries formation. If you are uncomfortable with the smell in the mouth, you can consume honeysuckle flower tea immediately.
Alleviates the Effects of Diabetes
Extracts obtained from the elongated antenna-like parts of the honeysuckle flower have the feature of balancing blood sugar. Honeysuckle flower, which is among the plants that reduce the effects of diabetes, also reduces insulin resistance when consumed as a tea. Studies on honeysuckle flower show that it alleviates diabetes and lowers blood sugar.
Prevents Stomach Diseases
Honeysuckle flower, which is one of the plants that regulate stomach enzymes, supports the ideal functioning of stomach functions. This flower, which is used with honeysuckle flower tea, which protects the intestines from parasites and facilitates the digestion of food, also controls liver enzymes. Honeysuckle flower not only protects the stomach but also cleans the toxins that harm the body.
Cell Repair
Honeysuckle oil is recommended for skin imperfections. This vegetable oil is said to rejuvenate cells. Honeysuckle oil is applied to the skin for conditions such as cracks, redness, and itching. In areas where honeysuckle oil is used, dead skin is removed and inflammation is prevented.
Tea: Honeysuckle flowers are dried. When dried flowers meet with hot water, a healing tea is formed. Thanks to this tea, you can be refreshed from head to toe. You can sleep more comfortably if you drink a cup of honeysuckle tea before sleep.
Lotion: The oil taken from the honeysuckle flower is used as a body lotion when added to various skincare masks. If you wish, you can squeeze the flower yourself and extract the essence. If you want, you can obtain honeysuckle oil from cosmetic companies.
Perfume: If you add honeysuckle flower oil to the water you use while cleaning your house, you can create a refreshing scent in your home.
Mouthwash: Honeysuckle flowers are boiled in a glass of water. Boiling water is rested to cool. Gargle with cold water and spit. When this application continues regularly, bad odor in the mouth is prevented.
Pain Relief: When you want to use a honeysuckle flower as a pain reliever, you can apply its oil to your knees and joints. If you wish, you can boil the flowers in some water and apply them to your knees and legs after they are warm, and you can end the rheumatic pains.
You can try the following methods to reproduce the honeysuckle flower and spread the scent of this flower to a wider area:
- Cut the maturing honeysuckle flower from a branch with pruning shears on summer days. When you plant this branch in fertile soil, you will see that it adapts to the soil and takes root.
- Avoid over-watering for the honeysuckle flower to grow efficiently. It is a plant that requires controlled and regular irrigation.
- If you wish, you can plant the end of a branch directly into the soil without cutting it. This method is known as dipping and when applied correctly, positive results are obtained.
- Another frequently tried method is the steeling method. Honeysuckle cuttings with an average size of 20 cm need rooting in the spring.
Structural Features of Honeysuckle Plant
It is a type of ivy. It is known for its fragrant flowers. There are many varieties. Some of them do not shed their leaves in summer or winter. The flowers are white or yellow, in small bunches. It is a climbing plant with a height of 1-3 m, hairless or less hairy, blooming pinkish whitish-yellow flowers in May and July.
The leaves are opposite-crossed on the stem, leathery, glabrous, and slightly hairy on the underside. The leaves below are short-stalked and ovoid, while the ones above are fused with their bases to envelop the stem. The fragrant flowers form in the axils of the apical leaves, usually in bundles of three, with rather long stems, of the spike type. The flowers are long-tuberous and drooping-lipped. It gives red-colored berry fruits at maturity.
The word “lonicera”, the genus name of the plant, comes from the name of the German physician and botanist Adam L Lonitzer. The word Caprifolium, on the other hand, is formed from the combination of the Latin words “Capra” meaning “goat” and “folium” meaning “leaf”; It means something like “goat leaf”. Such a species name arose because the leaves of the honeysuckle plant are a favorite food of goats.
Honeysuckle is a plant that grows mostly in sandy and soft soil areas and can be 3 meters to 6 meters tall. In terms of its general structure, it is a shrub or climbing shrub with several main branches that hug each other. The leaves are oppositely arranged and 4-5 cm long, long, sessile leaves and are shed in winter.
In the seat of the leaves at the end of the branches of the honeysuckle plant, flowers occur in May – June. These flowers are tubular in appearance, 3-5 cm in length, is white, yellow, or pink in color, and fragrant. In the early evening, the scent of honeysuckle flowers intensifies and spreads to the environment. Honeysuckle has small berry-olive berries in orange, red, or black.
The homeland of the honeysuckle plant is Europe and Asia. It grows in woodlands, forest edges, sandy soils. Its production is done with mature seeds and by the cutting method in winter. It grows well if grown in moist, soft, and permeable soils rich in minerals, in sunny and semi-shady places. It is grown in large pots at the entrances of building doors, in parks and gardens, on balconies.
How to Grow Honeysuckle at Home?
Since it grows in the form of ivy or bush, the honeysuckle plant, which is generally grown in gardens rather than balconies, can be easily grown even on balconies when suitable conditions are provided. Those who wonder how to grow honeysuckle at home, which can be shown among the plants that can be considered quite durable in contrast to its elegant flowers, should definitely pay attention to the following points:
Although the honeysuckle plant is a durable plant that can adapt to almost any soil that is not in a very bad condition, it will be healthier to prefer humus soils rich in organic materials to grow it in pots. In order to ensure the drainage of the soil, you should make sure that the pot you choose has holes under which excess water can flow.
You should determine your watering frequency according to the age, condition of your honeysuckle plant, and the dryness of the soil. You can water less for your young plants, but as your plant gets older, it will need more watering, you should not forget this. In the same way, you should water the honeysuckle plant more frequently during the flowering periods so that the flowers can easily reach the water they need to grow and develop. When determining the amount and frequency of irrigation, you should pay attention to the dryness of the soil. You should water the soil so that it is always moist, and never let it dry out completely or become so liquid that it becomes muddy.
Whether you are placing the pot of the honeysuckle plant in your garden or on your balcony, you should make sure to place it in as an airy area as possible. But beware, you should avoid exposure to strong winds when determining the airy area. If your plant is in the form of ivy, you can position your pots in semi-shade areas, if it is in the form of bushes, in sunny areas. Since the honeysuckle plant tends to grow towards the sun, like many other plants, you can turn the pot from time to time to ensure that it grows evenly on all sides.
You may need to prune the honeysuckle plant, as it is a plant that can grow up to 7 meters when grown in a healthy way. Although honeysuckle does not have a specific pruning time, it is recommended to choose the time right after the flowers have been pruned for the healthiest pruning. If you don’t prune the deciduous honeysuckle plant until late winter, it may bloom less than usual the following spring.
Best Honeysuckle Tea That You Can Buy Online
