Honeysuckle Pruning Information

Honeysuckle is common in the South.

Honeysuckle is a common vine or shrub known best for its fragrant flowers. It is a popular plant to grow around privacy fences because of the lush vegetation. The honeysuckle can grow to an unmanageable size without pruning.

Definition

Honeysuckle is a common vine with a woody stem that produces fragrant yellow or white flowers. The nectar of the flowers is edible. There are also varieties of honeysuckle that grow in shrubs.

Time Frame

Most honeysuckle plants can stand pruning at any time of year. Severe pruning should be done during the winter, while the plant is dormant, to lessen the stress of pruning on the plant.

Reason

Pruning the honeysuckle plant keeps the size manageable. It also prevents the upper branches from blocking sun to the lower branches, killing the lower leaves and producing a lopsided appearance.

Method

Remove one-third to one-half of the upper branches of the vine or shrub with sharp shears. If your plant needs severe pruning, cut it back to within two feet of the ground. If you want the plant to flower in the spring, leave some old growth.

Water

After pruning, honeysuckle will need regular watering during the growing season as it works to re-grow. Apply a layer of mulch around the stem to preserve moisture and prevent weeds from growing.

References

• New Mexico State University: Pruning honeysuckle vine