coral honeysuckle location, am I doomed?

Hi,

After lots of thought, considering a few vines that included sky vine, crossvine and a few jasmines, I decided on our native coral honeysuckle. Everything I have read (even a few posts here) says it does not need full sun, it can do well in part sun. Please take a look at my location. This is an east facing fence, so the top of the fence will get morning sun through around 1:30 or so when it dips behind the house. This picture was taken at 5:00 PM, so you can see it is shaded in the late afternoon. The top of the lattice is 8 ', so the vine just has to grow up to that sun. I am in Houston, in the city, zone 9.

Thanks!
Brett

It would probably do better with more sun, but I think you will be o.k.

If not, I can always move it later this summer. I am not sure where just yet, perhaps give it away to a neighbor. This spot is just so hard to garden but I will give it a shot.

Thanks,
Brett

Is the fence sturdy enough for one of those wire deck baskets below the lattice? Or perhaps a shelf to sit something on that to hold a passion vine or Morning Glory to fill in the lattice area? You could put up some garden art on the wall below and some pots at the bottom of varing heights.

I thought about that, actually, the concept of pots on the fence. I literally just planted the coral honeysuckle last weekend so I will give it a shot. It can get pretty full, there are 4 of them.. Here at 9:00 AM the top of the lattice is in full morning sun so once those vines climb up they can bask in the morning sun to mid-day Texas sun. I would think passion vine and/or Morning Glory would want even more sun? I have read that coral honeysuckle in its native state grows at the edge of wooded areas, in dappled sun. It can grow well in part sun, just not bloom as much. Ok, so perhaps I am just trying to convince myself. ;-)

"Coral honeysuckle thrives in slightly acid to neutral soil and blooms best in sun, although it performs with aplomb in shade. It grows 10 to 20 feet in height but should rarely need pruning.."

You could grow some more honeysuckle in a pot with more sun, and transfer it once it' six feet. I would keep the pot the same width as the bedding area for better transplanting. It looks very pretty against your wall, good luck with it.

Sorry Brett, I didn't catch you had already planted the honeysuckle. I must have seen a previous picture before you started planting. May you have a good growing season and fill in with your Coral as you hope it will.

I think the pots and vines would look great together. There is a co-op for plant hanging doo hickies that would work well and a great price. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/820825/

I agree. I have found those at a few local nurseries, they are great. I have tons of orchids and they can look really good in those hangers. It is 83 here today, my coral honeysuckle is in really nice, well drained soil with microlife, just ready to thrive. I will post a picture in August if it makes it up and over the fence, into full sun.

I have 3 hall's honeysuckle in a similar setting - patio surrounded by house except on west side - They are 3 yrs old and are thriving - stay green in winter - bloom repeatedly till Oct/Nov -- very fragrant- so vigorous you have to be careful if ground space isn't limited like your spot - when vines trail the ground they root. I got them at Home Depot Lanscape supply store (now closed) for $10 ea.