How to Prune Overgrown Honeysuckle

Because of its fragrant flowers and rapidly growing foliage, honeysuckle is a widely used vine for landscaping. Periodic pruning is necesary though, to prevent the thick leaves from blocking sun to the lower parts of the plant.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pruning sheers

1. If extensive pruning is needed, cut honeysuckle vines back in late autumn or winter which is the plant’s dormant season. Honeysuckle is a hardy vine, and can usually withstand pruning in late spring as well.

2. To ensure rapid growth of new foliage, prune a lot off the top of the vines. Cutting vines down to a few feet from the ground won’t hurt the plant, but may prevent flowers from blooming the next spring.

3. To ensure new blossoms in the spring, prune less than half the old growth near the ground.

4. Water the vines well once they begin to grow in the spring.

5. Mulch around the base of the vines to prevent weeds.