Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica): when and how to prune

Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica): when to prune it?

JFMAMJJASOND

Straight after flowering, in June. It flowers on last year’s and older wood, so pruning too early costs you flowers.

What else to prune in those months? June

Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica): how to prune it?

1. Every year or every two years remove a third of the oldest branches right at the base.
2. Remove dead, weak and crossing branches and shape the rest.
3. Leave the strong new shoots of this year: it will flower on them next spring.
4. To renew an old shrub, cut a few old branches back to 30–50 cm above the ground in late spring or summer.

How much to cut, and how often?

• One pruning period a year: June.
• Prune in moderation: never remove more than about a third of the shrub at once.

What does it mean for wildlife?

• Pruning in June can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
• Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica) flowers in May–June, when it attracts bees.
• If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
• 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.
• Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.

Nearby: related pruning guides

• Box-leaved honeysuckle
• Box-leaved honeysuckle (Lonicera pileata)
• Fly honeysuckle
• Honeyberry
• Honeysuckle
• Twinberry (Lonicera involucrata)

Plant profile: Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica) · Pruning calendar and basic rules