Jelängerjelieber, also known as garden honeysuckle, is a fragrant, insect-friendly climbing plant that thrives in various gardens. This hardy, perennial vine belongs to the honeysuckle family and is native to parts of Europe and Western Asia. It can grow between 3 and 6 meters tall (sometimes up to 10 meters) and is known for its vigorous growth.
Key Characteristics
- Leaves: Dark green, opposite, elliptical, and pointed.
- Flowers: Trumpet-shaped, appearing from May to July, in white to yellow tones, transitioning to red or pink. They attract a variety of insects, particularly moths and bees.
- Fruits: Orange-red berries, which are toxic to mammals but are consumed by birds, helping in seed dispersion.
Popular Varieties
- ‘Anna Fletcher’: Early blooming variety, with yellow and pink flowers, reaching up to 6 meters in height.
- ‘Inga’: Later blooming variety with yellow-cream flowers and a height range of 3-5 meters.
- ‘Major’: Medium-late bloomer, with yellow-red fragrant flowers, starting to bloom in June.
Growing Conditions
Jelängerjelieber thrives in a sunny to partially shaded location and requires well-drained, nutrient-rich, humus soil with a neutral to alkaline pH. This plant prefers a slightly alkaline environment, and if necessary, adding garden lime can help balance soil acidity.
Planting Instructions
- Planting Time: Best in autumn or early spring, when the ground is frost-free.
- Spacing: Plant two vines 50 cm apart for dense growth; keep at least 100 cm distance from other plants.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil and mix in compost or quality planting soil if needed, especially for sandy soils.
- Care: Water generously after planting and provide a trellis or support for the vine to climb.
Care Tips
- Watering: Regular watering is necessary, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilizing: Use organic fertilizers like Plantura Bio Universal Fertilizer in the spring for healthy growth.
- Pruning: Pruning after flowering can encourage a second bloom. Every few years, rejuvenate the plant by removing the oldest stems.
- Winter Care: If planted in containers, provide winter protection, as the roots in pots are more susceptible to frost.
Propagation
- By Cuttings: Take 10-15 cm long cuttings from soft new shoots, strip off excess leaves, and place them in a mixture of sand and soil.
- By Layering: Bend a non-woody shoot to the ground, cut the section slightly, cover with soil, and wait for it to root before cutting off and transplanting.
Toxicity Warning
The berries of Jelängerjelieber are mildly toxic to humans and mammals if ingested. However, birds feed on them without any issues. The plant has historically been used in traditional medicine but should not be consumed.