My honeysuckle plant

[Frecossais]

I'm looking for some advice about a honeysuckle plant I've been given. We are only in France part-time,

so I can't be here to give it any TLC during the winter and spring.

It has been planted against the wall of our house which gets the sun in the morning, so if it survives the winter

it should do fine, (I've read that honeysuckle likes partial shade). What I'd like to know is should I leave it to its fate, or try to protect it in some way.

My OH has suggested putting a short piece of 100mm soil pipe over it to protect the roots. We have a lovely

neighbour who would remove it in the growing season. Is this a good idea?

I would be glad of anyone's thoughts on this, I hate it when plants die on me.    

[Salty Sam]

I'm sure someone will be along with expert advice, but from my own personal experience I brought one over from the UK a couple of years ago. Planted against a trellis in a sunny position, it has survived the winters and this years drought, and has taken over the trellis and beyond.

I don't think you'll have much to worry about if mine is any example.

[:D]

[Gardian]

[quote user="Frecossais"]My OH has suggested putting a short piece of 100mm soil pipe over it to protect the roots. We have a lovely neighbour who would remove it in the growing season. Is this a good idea?

[/quote]

Sounds good to me. I mean, short of digging it up and putting it indoors somewhere, what else are you going to be able to do? Whatever, come April-ish, you'll know. 

Much better than a 50 / 50 chance I'd say. 

[Loiseau]

My honeysuckles in UK and in France stands up to anything nature can throw at them.   If anything, the problem is keeping it in check!

Angela

[Gardengirl]

Partial shade is normally recommended for honeysuckle to help keep aphids away. I'd make sure your plant is well-mulched after a good watering before being left to its own devices for the winter. If it's a climbing variety, is there provision for that?

If it was planted a little while ago and was well watered in, so much the better, but as Gardian says, it may or may not survive! I know that parts of Burgundy have bitterly cold conditions in winter, which would be my main concern, I think. Good luck - hope we have a report of lovely flowers and scent next year! [:)]

[Frecossais]

Thanks Everyone for your replies. The honeysuckle was only planted about 4 weeks ago, that's why I'm concerned. I think I will leave it but let hubby protect the roots with his pipe before we leave. As you say, Gardengirl, it can get very cold hereabouts. We have put a trellis up on our wall ready for its expansion, ....well hopefully.