scientific name of : Desert honeysuckle Bush
Anisacanthus virgularis L.
original habitat(native to ) of the Desert honeysuckle Bush
Mexico:
Botanical description of desert honeysuckle bush
desert honeysuckle bush is one of the evergreen ornamental shrubs. The leaves are opposite, with a full, lanceolate edge, about 5 cm long.
The flowers in the ornamental shrub Desert honeysuckle are found in indefinite, racemic, axillary inflorescences, of a red color, of large size. They appear
during the spring and summer.
The fruits of desert honeysuckle bush Anissa cansis are a grape (capsule) with 2-4 seeds.
desert honeysuckle bush propagation
desert honeysuckle bush is propagated by planting seeds, that is, they are planted in agricultural beds, containing an agricultural environment consisting of compost – peat moss + well-washed sand in a ratio of 2: 1: 1, and they are taken care of until the appearance of true leaves.
When the true leaves appear, the plants are spread out in pots or planting bags, until they reach a length of 20-25 cm, where the seedlings are rotated into larger pots or planting bags, and they are taken care of until they are planted in sustainable land.
Shrubs are also propagated by planting cuttings, with a length of approximately 20 cm. They are planted during the spring in agricultural beds, containing an agricultural environment of compost + peat moss + well-washed sand in a ratio of 2: 1: 1, and they are taken care of until A strong radical sum is formed.
When a strong root system is formed, the cuttings are separated into pots or planting bags, and they are taken care of until they are planted in sustainable land.
desert honeysuckle bush watering
desert honeysuckle bush needs to be watered regularly without drowning or thirst, as watering is done according to the need of the shrubs, which depends on the nature of the soil and the environmental conditions in the region.
It is also necessary to pay attention to the process of watering the shrubs in the event of a high air temperature with an increase in the intensity of the wind blowing, as this increases the water seeping of the leaves, so the watering periods must be close in order to compensate for the lack of water lost due to the water seeping of the leaves.
desert honeysuckle bush fertilizer
Fertilizing ornamental saplings, Desert honeysuckle, using neutral (chemical) mineral fertilizer NPK 10: 10: 10 of the major fertilizer elements nitrogen – phosphorus – potassium at a rate of 400 g / bush from the age of 3-5 years.
Provided that the mineral fertilizer is added in two equal batches, the first batch during the month of March and the second batch during the month of August.
Fertilization of desert honeysuckle bush carried out using organic fertilizer at a rate of 2-3 kg + 200 gm of 15% monosuperphosphate fertilizer, during the winter season in December.
Biofertilization of desert honeysuckle bush
Fertilizing desert honeysuckle bush, using friendly bio-fertilizer, instead of using mineral (chemical) fertilizer that pollutes the environment.
Among the most important biofertilizers used for fertilizing ornamental shrubs Anissa cansis are the following biofertilizers:
1- Use the water soaked in compost, known as compost tea.
2- Using active dry brewer’s yeast during the spring season at a rate of 20 gm / bush at all ages.
3- Using bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen, such as Azotobacter.
4- Using Trichoderma fungus, which helps plants to absorb rock phosphate in the soil.
5- The use of humic acid, which helps the soil to retain irrigation water instead of losing it through leaching, especially in light and sandy soils.
Also, humic acid helps plants to absorb the microelements in the soil, such as calcium and magnesium, as well as iron, zinc, manganese, and the rest of the other microelements in the soil.
Soil suitable for growing desert honeysuckle bush
It is important to desert honeysuckle bush in a light, fertile, well-drained, well-ventilated soil. The soil must also be free of harsh mineral salts, as the shrubs are very sensitive to salinity, whether the salinity of the soil or the salinity of irrigation water.
desert honeysuckle bush should also be planted in a neutral acid soil, where the soil PH should be between approximately 5.5-6.5, so that the bushes can grow well.
Light requirements for desert honeysuckle bush
desert honeysuckle bush must be planted in sunny, well-lit places, so that the bushes can grow well.
As light is important for the process of photosynthesis, in which the plant absorbs energy from the light reaching the mechanism in the representation of carbon dioxide + water to build carbohydrates from which the rest of the other nutrients necessary for the continuation of plant life are created, so that they grow well.
The process of preparing and sterilizing the soil for planting desert honeysuckle bush in the permanent land:
When planting the seedlings of the desert honeysuckle bush seedlings in the permanent land, the following steps must be followed.
1- Determine the place to plant the seedlings. It should be in sunny, well-lit places, and the soil should be fertile, well-ventilated, free of harmful salts, and neutral in acidity and alkalinity.
2 – After determining the place in the permanent land, the area of the hole is determined, provided that it is 100 cm long and 100 cm wide, then the jar is dug and turned over, with the removal of weeds, grills, and stirrups to a depth of 80 cm.
3- After digging and stirring the hole , the following ingredients are added to the jura soil, which are as follows:
* Adding well-decomposing organic fertilizer at a rate of 1-2 kg + 200 gm of monosuperphosphate fertilizer 15% + a suitable fungicide to combat soil rot (according to the recommended recommendations).
4- After adding the previous components, the soil is stirred well, and then the process of irrigating the pot is done without drowning.
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* The seedlings are dipped in a fungicide solution to combat root rot + a hormone solution to stimulate the roots, such as a solution of the hormone indole butyric acid.
After dipping the seedlings in the previous solutions, they are planted in the center of Al-Jura in the middle, provided that the place for planting the seedlings is dug at a depth suitable for the size and age of the seedlings.
10- After planting the seedlings, they are well fixed by pressing the soil around the seedlings gently, then the pot is irrigated moderately without flooding.
11- Seedlings are well taken into account, in terms of regular irrigation and fertilization, so that they grow well.
desert honeysuckle bush trim and pruning
It is important to pay attention to the process of trimming and refining the desert honeysuckle bush , where broken, deformed and dry branches are removed, and branches infected with fungal diseases and insect pests are also removed.
The tangled branches inside the heart of the bush are also removed so that we allow light to reach the heart of the bush, so that it can grow well.
It is also important to spray the shrub after the pruning and trimming process with a fungicide such as oxychloro-copper or use any of the recommended pesticides.
The fractures are also placed in the branches that were removed using Bordeaux paste.
desert honeysuckle bush problems and pests
It is very important to pay attention to the process of combating pests and insects that affect ornamental shrubs, desert honeysuckle bush, especially mites, aphids, and jascid insects, as well as jascid insects and mealy bugs.
Where the shrub must be sprayed when insects appear, using the pesticide malathion 57% at a rate of 3 cm3 + mineral oil at a rate of 15 / liter of water, provided that the spraying is repeated 21 days after the previous spraying.
Planting of desert honeysuckle bush in home gardens:
desert honeysuckle bush, it is considered one of the most beautiful ornamental shrubs grown in home gardens, where the bushes are planted singly or in groups, as well as the bushes are planted in home gardens among flower beds.
Uses of desert honeysuckle bush
1- desert honeysuckle bush are planted in gardens and public parks as ornamental shrubs.
2- desert honeysuckle bush are planted in home gardens, due to the beauty of the shape and composition of the bushes, which adds beauty to the gardens.
Desert honeysuckle bush common questions
1. What is desert honeysuckle?
Desert honeysuckle is a flowering plant species native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Its scientific name is Anisacanthus puberulus, and it belongs to the Acanthaceae family.
2. How tall does desert honeysuckle grow?
Desert honeysuckle typically grows to be around 2 to 4 feet tall, but it can occasionally reach up to 6 feet in height.
3. Does desert honeysuckle attract hummingbirds?
Yes, desert honeysuckle is known for its attractive tubular flowers that are often visited by hummingbirds. The vibrant red or orange blooms are specially adapted to attract these birds.
4. When does desert honeysuckle bloom?
Desert honeysuckle usually blooms from late spring to late fall, producing vibrant flowers that add color to arid landscapes and desert gardens.
5. How do you care for desert honeysuckle plants?
Desert honeysuckle is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in well-draining soil and full sun. It requires minimal watering once established and benefits from pruning to maintain its shape.
6. Is desert honeysuckle deer-resistant?
Yes, desert honeysuckle plants are considered deer-resistant. They have a natural bitter taste that repels browsing animals.
7. Can desert honeysuckle be grown in pots or containers?
Yes, desert honeysuckle can be successfully grown in pots or containers. Just ensure that the container has good drainage and provide proper care and sunlight.
8. How do you propagate desert honeysuckle?
Desert honeysuckle can be propagated from both seeds and stem cuttings. Seeds can be collected from mature plants, while stem cuttings can be taken in spring or early summer.
9. Is desert honeysuckle tolerant of heat and drought?
Yes, desert honeysuckle is well-adapted to heat and drought conditions. It requires minimal water once established and can tolerate high temperatures and arid environments.
10. Can desert honeysuckle be planted in colder climates?
Desert honeysuckle is native to warm desert regions, so it may not be suitable for colder climates with freezing temperatures. It is best to check your specific USDA hardiness zone before planting.
11. Do desert honeysuckle plants have any medicinal uses?
Some Native American tribes used desert honeysuckle for medicinal purposes. It was believed to have properties such as soothing skin irritations, relieving headaches, and aiding in respiratory issues.
12. Does desert honeysuckle have any special cultural significance?
Desert honeysuckle holds cultural significance for some Native American tribes in its native range. It is often used in traditional ceremonies, and its flowers and leaves are incorporated into various cultural practices.
13. Is desert honeysuckle an invasive species?
No, desert honeysuckle is not considered an invasive species. It is a native plant that naturally occurs in arid and desert regions.
14. Can desert honeysuckle be grown alongside other plants?
Desert honeysuckle can be grown with other drought-tolerant plants and shrubs that prefer similar growing conditions. Examples include native grasses, cacti, and other desert-adapted species.
15. Are desert honeysuckle flowers fragrant?
While desert honeysuckle flowers are visually appealing, they do not have a strong fragrance. However, they still attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.
16. Does desert honeysuckle produce edible fruits?
No, desert honeysuckle does not typically produce fruits that are considered edible for humans. Its main attraction is the vibrant and showy flowers.
17. How often should desert honeysuckle be pruned?
Desert honeysuckle generally benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape, remove dead or damaged parts, and promote better branching. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring.
18. Can desert honeysuckle be grown as a hedge or border plant?
Desert honeysuckle can be used as a low hedge or border plant in landscaping. Its compact size and attractive blooms make it suitable for such purposes.
19. What pests or diseases affect desert honeysuckle?
Desert honeysuckle is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, occasional issues may arise, including aphids, spider mites, or powdery mildew. Regular inspection and proper care can help prevent and address these problems.
20. Can desert honeysuckle be grown from seeds purchased online?
Yes, desert honeysuckle seeds are sometimes available for purchase online. However, it is important to ensure that you are sourcing them from reputable sellers to ensure quality and authenticity
