Honeyberry: when and how to prune

Lonicera caerulea

Honeyberry is best pruned in July and November–February.

Updated on 11 October 2026

Honeyberry: when to prune it?

After the harvest (July) or in winter.

What else to prune in those months? January · February · July · November · December

Prune little in the first few years: just remove dead, weak and low-lying branches.
After that, remove a few of the oldest, least productive branches at the base every year, so the bush stays open.
The berries form mainly on last year’s shoots: keep these and don’t shorten them.

There are 2 pruning periods a year: July and November–February. You don’t have to prune in every one.
Grows best when left alone. Only remove dead, diseased or awkward branches.

Pruning in July can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.

Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
Pruning too much: it grows best when left alone.
Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.

Caution: Don’t clip the bush into a ball: you would remove the young shoots carrying next year’s flower buds.

This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.