Trumpet honeysuckle: when and how to prune

Trumpet honeysuckle: when to prune it?

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After flowering, in September, shorten over-long stems. In March, remove dead and frost-damaged wood and, if needed, rejuvenate a bare plant.

What else to prune in those months? March · September

Trumpet honeysuckle: how to prune it?

1. After flowering, cut over-long and flowered stems back to just above a side shoot or to the length you want.
2. In March, cut out dead, frost-damaged and weak stems.
3. If the plant is bare at the bottom and a tangle at the top, cut a few of the oldest stems back to 50–60 cm above the ground in March: they will sprout again.
4. Usually nothing more is needed: it needs little pruning.

How much to cut, and how often?

• There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and September. You don’t have to prune in every one.

What does it mean for wildlife?

• Pruning in March can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
• Trumpet honeysuckle flowers in June–September, 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.

Nearby: related pruning guides

• Honeysuckle
• Henry’s honeysuckle
• Japanese honeysuckle
• Perfoliate honeysuckle
• Box-leaved honeysuckle
• Fly honeysuckle

Plant profile: Trumpet honeysuckle · Pruning calendar and basic rules