Photo: Aftabbanoori, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Climber
Japanese honeysuckle: when and how to prune
Lonicera japonica
Japanese honeysuckle is best pruned in March–April and July–August.
| Pruning months | March–April and July–August |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Take care in March–April and July–August |
| Flowering | June–September |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Japanese honeysuckle: when to prune it?
In March–April; in summer (July–August) as often as needed to keep it in check.
What else to prune in those months? March · April · July · August
Japanese honeysuckle: how to prune it?
- It flowers on new shoots: cut back firmly in March–April and remove old, bare stems.
- In July–August, cut back overlong shoots and keep gutters, windows and neighbouring shrubs clear.
- An overgrown plant can be cut back close to the ground in spring; it will reshoot vigorously.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March–April and July–August. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pruning in March–April and July–August 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.
Common mistakes
- Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
Caution: First check that no birds are nesting in the dense stems. Don’t leave cut stems lying on moist soil: they can take root there. Japanese honeysuckle is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Similar to: Difference from common honeysuckle · Difference from perfoliate honeysuckle
Plant profile: Japanese honeysuckle · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.