Jin Cuilei, Yin Cuilei, and Baiyun Xiyang are varieties of honeysuckle that thrive in sunny conditions. They require well-drained, loose, and fertile loamy soil with a depth of at least 70 cm. A slope of less than 15% is ideal for planting, as it helps prevent waterlogging. These new varieties exhibit strong growth, compact crowns, and the ability to form flower buds easily. Their new shoots can develop into flowering branches within the same growing season, making them suitable for high-yield cultivation. For optimal results, they should be planted densely, with row spacings of 2m x 2m or 2m x 1.5m. Before planting, holes measuring 70 cm in all directions should be dug. Each hole should be enriched with 4,000–5,000 kg of compost or green manure per acre, along with 150–300 kg of calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer. Alternatively, 0.2–0.3 kg of dry cake fertilizer or 0.15 kg of compound fertilizer can be added per hole, combined with 15 kg of farmyard manure.
Propagation methods include ramets, cuttings, and grafting. However, traditional propagation techniques often result in low survival rates and may affect the health of the mother plant. Grafting on Lonicera macranthoides, L. japonica, or L. gmelinii rootstocks has a survival rate of 30–50%, which is relatively low. Cuttings treated with phytohormones under full-light intermittent spraying have a survival rate of 20–40%. Recently, the Hunan Academy of Forestry developed tissue culture technology, significantly increasing propagation efficiency. The proliferation rate reached 4.5, with a rooting rate of 98% and transplanting survival rate of 94.8%.
Fertilizer management is crucial for these varieties. Although they are drought-tolerant and adaptable, regular fertilization improves yield and quality. Organic manure, NPK fertilizer, and green manure should be applied. In early spring, apply 0.15 kg of compound fertilizer per hole. Before flowering, add 0.1 kg of compound fertilizer per hole to promote blooming. In late fall, use 0.15 kg of dry cake fertilizer or 5 kg of farmyard manure per hole. Foliar sprays with NPK and micronutrients like boron, calcium, iron, and zinc are also recommended.
Pruning is essential to maintain a healthy structure. These varieties are best trained as round-headed or umbrella-shaped shrubs. During the growing season, tip pruning helps control excessive growth and prevents thin, hook-like branches. In dormancy, remove dead, weak, or misshapen branches to concentrate nutrients on new growth. After each harvest, remove excess shoots and prune flowering branches to encourage new growth. Also, eliminate basal buds and leggy shoots to reduce nutrient waste.
Soil management involves regular weeding and cultivation. In the first three years, cultivate and weed 3–4 times annually. Weeding should be done after the first flush of leaves (July–August) and before winter frost. After three years, reduce weeding frequency but continue cultivating in spring and autumn. Every four years, deep plowing to a depth of 40–50 cm improves soil aeration and fertility. In poor soils, adding topsoil can enhance root development.
Pest and disease control is important. Common issues include powdery mildew, leaf spot, aphids, and honeysuckle leaf bees. For powdery mildew, spray 50% colloidal sulfur (100g/20kg water) or 15% triadimefon WP (2000x). Leaf spot can be managed with Bordeaux mixture (1:200) or zineb (65%, 400–500x). Aphids can be controlled with dimethoate (40%, 800–1500x) or dichlorvos (80%, 2000x). Honeysuckle leaf bees are managed with trichlorfon (1000x), avoiding use during flowering.
Harvesting should occur when the bud's upper part is slightly white and the lower part is green. Overly early or late harvesting reduces medicinal value. Buds must be handled carefully to avoid damage and should be dried promptly, either in sunlight or a drying room. Avoid including stems or leaves during collection.
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