How to Prune Honeysuckle Vines

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By Meg Jernigan
eHow Contributing Writer

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Prune Honeysuckle Vines

Honeysuckle vines produce fragrant flowers that attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. When they're neglected, the vines grow quickly and can overcome nearby shrubs and bushes. Because of this, cultivated honeysuckle is generally grown on a trellis or along a fence line. The plant is hardy and can tolerate light pruning throughout the flowering season. Heavy pruning should be done when the plant is dormant. The method is the same for almost all varieties of honeysuckle vines.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Pruning tools
Pantyhose or other stretchy tying material

Step 1

Lightly prune new plants until they're well established. They should be able to take heavy pruning after 2 years. Pinch back new growth to promote bushing.
Step 2

Thin about 1/4 of the old growth to the ground when the vine is dormant. This will promote vigorous new growth.
Step 3

Remove 1/3 to 1/2 of the branches at the top of the plant, leaving a mixture of old and new growth. Shape the plant as you prune it, and tie wayward branches to a support with a stretchy material like pantyhose cut into strips.
Step 4

Prune badly neglected honeysuckle by spreading the plant out on the ground and untangling the vines. Cut out dead wood and prune old growth. Tie the plant to a trellis or fence with stretchy material.
Step 5

Cut off dead wood year round. Check the interior of the plant for dead wood as well as the visible exterior.