Planting time for native honeysuckle in zone 7b?

February 29, 2016 6:06 PM

What's the advised planting time for Lonicera sempervirens (Blanche Sandman honeysuckle vine) in zone 7b?

I just received semi-dormant Lonicera sempervirens (Blanche Sandman) honeysuckle plants, which were grown in zone 7a. I'm planning to plant then in a container to vine onto two trellises. When is the best time to plant them here in 7b (Philadelphia, PA)? They are supposedly well rooted and look decent. I'm worried about keeping them indoors for too long, but I'm also worried about overnight frosts.

Any helpful garden resources that might have the answer (or answers to these kinds of questions) would also be appreciated. I can't seem to find a decent garden forum, so here I am. Thanks!

posted by ancient star to Home & Garden (3 answers total)

If the ground is workable, plant them out in cloches or temporary coldframes. If you expect them to be hardy when established, you might not need that (though it will help).
posted by clew at 9:11 PM on February 29, 2016

I can't remember if it's members -only but the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society has a help line you can call. They are in Philly and have been very helpful when I've called before.
posted by sepviva at 6:23 AM on March 1, 2016

Best answer: Since it looks like it might bloom in your area around March, it's probably time to plant it. The general wisdom is to plant trees and bushes when it gets warm enough to dig. It's not like seeds or little plants where you have to wait for frost to pass. It's hardy to -15 in your zone so a little frost isn't going to doom it. Dave's Garden link
posted by fiercekitten at 7:27 AM on March 1, 2016