What Is Invading My Honeysuckle?

Keep an eye on the foliage for signs of insect infestation.

Honeysuckle provides the garden with fragrance and the wildlife that is attracted to it. A woody vine or shrub, it appears a lot more rugged than it is. There are several pests and diseases that may be invading your honeysuckle.

Common Pests

Aphids and spider mites are two of the most common honeysuckle pests. Aphids do most of their damage in the spring, while spider mites prefer the drier conditions of summer.

Common Diseases

There are several types of fungi that will invade honeysuckle. Powdery mildew is the most common but honeysuckle leaf blight and canker are fungal diseases that may invade your honeysuckle.

Symptoms

Yellow, curled leaves are a sign of aphids while spider mites will cause yellow or red dots and webbing on foliage. If the honeysuckle's leaves turn dark and fall off, the plant may have honeysuckle leaf blight. If the leaves appear to be covered with a white powdery substance, suspect powdery mildew, and if there are bumps on the stems it is most likely canker.

References

• Yardener: Problems Of Honeysuckle
• "Perennial Reference Guide"; Karleen Shafer and Nicole Lloyd; 2007