Leaves on honeysuckle dying falling off

Mickspark81

Hey guys. I planted my healthy honeysuckle Lonicera a couple of month back but recently ive noticed that from the bottom of the plant up to the middle i have lost a lot of leaves. The leaves them selves are turning yellow and have brown patches with some grey slightly fluffy looking mold on. I have also noticed that some of the new shoots are twisting and curling and then become brittle and can fall off. The top 1/3 of the plant seems healthy. I have removed all the infected leaves i can see to hopefully help and give the plant a good water (even though I'm sure it hasn't dried out). When i planted it i also used organic manure in with the top soil. Oh i have 2 dogs...dog urine problem?? That is all the info i can think of. I was reading it may be leaf blight but i welcome your opinions. Ty Mick

Fleurisa

Powdery mildew caused by dry roots and warm weather. Just needs a lot more water, is it planted with shade at the roots? And not too near a wall?

Mickspark81

It's about 4" from shed wall trellis. Base of plant only gets partial sun in the afternoon.

I've given it a good soak and im about to mulch with organic manure and compost

Dovefromabove

Four inches is too close - it'll be in the 'rain-shadow' of the wall - I'd move it to about 18" from the wall and prepare the hole by digging in lots of leafmould or home made garden compost - what you're looking to do is to mimic the conditions of a shady wild hedgerow or damp woodland. 

I'd do it now, and cut it right back.  It'll grow thicker from the base next year.  In Feb give it a sprinkling of Fish, Blood & Bone - it'll be fine

Mickspark81

Ty for replys



I just measured it. The plant is 9" from the wall. I cant move it any further forward.

Will it be ok if make sure it doesn't dry up?



I dug a deep planting hole and mixed the soil with manure, compost and stones for drainage.

Fairygirl

If you can't move it then you'll have to just do your best with it Mick. Plenty of water, plenty of organic matter, and a mulch  to preserve moisture in dry spells and it might be ok.  You may have to accept the conditions aren't ideal for it so the problem may well occur again.

Perhaps it would be best to find a better spot for it and grow something more suited to that one. 

Dovefromabove

Then it's probably a bit of transplant shock coupled with the dry weather we've had.

It may also have had a spell of underwatering before you bought it - it wouldn't be the first honeysuckle to suffer like that. 

Keep it damp at the roots and a mulch of garden compost would be good - as I said, cut it back this autumn/winter and it'll be fine

Mickspark81

Thanks again for replys.



The plant reaches the top of the trellis now but just needs to fill out.

Do i really need to cut it back?

Mickspark81

I only ask because i read that the flowers appear on last years growth.

I read about cutting 1/3 off it.

I am new to this so all advice is welcome

Dovefromabove

I would always cut a honeysuckle back hard  in it's first autumn after planting - probably down to 18" - it'll grow much bigger and thicker next year, and my bet is that you'll get some flowers as well