Jin Cuilei, Yin Cuilei, and Baiyun Xiyang are three new honeysuckle varieties that thrive in sunny conditions. They require well-drained, loose, and fertile loamy soil with a depth of at least 70 cm. The ideal slope is less than 15 degrees to ensure good water drainage. These varieties have strong growth potential, compact crowns, and the ability to form flower buds easily. They can develop flowering branches from new shoots within the same growing season, making them suitable for high-yield cultivation. For planting, a dense layout is recommended with spacing of either 2 meters by 2 meters or 2 meters by 1.5 meters. Before planting, dig holes measuring 70 cm x 70 cm x 70 cm. To enrich the soil, apply 4,000–5,000 kg of compost or green manure per acre, along with 150–300 kg of calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer. Alternatively, add 0.2–0.3 kg of dried cake fertilizer or 0.15 kg of compound fertilizer per hole, plus 15 kg of farmyard manure.
For propagation, cuttings, layering, and grafting are possible methods. However, these traditional techniques often involve high labor costs, low propagation rates, and may negatively affect the mother plant’s health. Grafting using rootstocks like Lonicera macranthoides, L. japonica, or L. gmelinii has a survival rate of about 30%–50%, which is relatively low. Cuttings treated with phytohormones under intermittent mist systems yield a survival rate of 20%–40%. Recently, the Hunan Academy of Forestry has developed an advanced tissue culture method, significantly increasing the propagation coefficient and reducing production costs. Field tests showed that the proliferation rate reached 4.5, rooting rate was 98%, and transplant survival rate was 94.8%.
Fertilization is essential for optimal growth. While these varieties are drought-tolerant, they benefit from regular applications of organic and chemical fertilizers. Apply NPK, green manure, and micronutrients such as boron, calcium, iron, and zinc. Two top-dressing sessions are recommended annually: one in early spring (0.15 kg of compound fertilizer per hole) and another before flowering (0.1 kg of compound fertilizer per hole). In late autumn, apply 0.15 kg of dry cake fertilizer or 5 kg of farmyard manure per hole.
Pruning helps maintain a healthy structure. These varieties are suitable for shaping into round-headed or umbrella-like shrubs. During the growing season, remove tips to control excessive growth and avoid thin, hook-like branches. In dormancy, prune dead, weak, or misshapen branches to concentrate nutrients on new growth. After summer harvests, prune excess shoots and select flowering branches to encourage new growth. Remove basal buds and leggy shoots to reduce nutrient waste.
Soil management is crucial. In the first three years after planting, cultivate and weed 3–4 times annually. Weeding should occur after the first leaf emergence, again in July–August, and once more before frost in late autumn. After three years, reduce weeding frequency and cultivate the soil in spring and fall. Every four years, perform deep tilling to a depth of 40–50 cm. This improves soil aeration and moisture retention. In poor soils, adding topsoil can enhance root development.
Pest and disease control is necessary. Common issues include powdery mildew, leaf spot, aphids, and honeysuckle leaf beetles. For powdery mildew, use 50% colloidal sulfur (100g/20kg water) or 15% triadimefon WP (2000x) in early stages. For leaf spot, apply Bordeaux mixture (1:200) or zineb wettable powder (400–500x). Aphids can be controlled with dimethoate emulsion (800–1500x) or dichlorvos EC (2000x). Honeysuckle leaf beetles can be managed with trichlorfon (1000x), but avoid application during flowering.
Harvesting should occur when the bud’s upper part turns slightly milky white and the lower part remains green. Avoid harvesting too early or too late, as this affects medicinal quality. Handle buds gently to prevent damage and dry them promptly in sunlight or a drying room. Ensure no stems or leaves are mixed in during collection.
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