Photo: Robert Flogaus-Faust, CC BY 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Climber
Perfoliate honeysuckle: when and how to prune
Lonicera caprifolium
Perfoliate honeysuckle is best pruned in February–March and July–August.
| Pruning months | February–March and July–August |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Take care in March and July–August |
| Flowering | May–June |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Perfoliate honeysuckle: when to prune it?
After flowering (July–August) or at the end of winter.
What else to prune in those months? February · March · July · August
Perfoliate honeysuckle: how to prune it?
- After flowering, cut the flowered stems back to just above a few new shoots: these will carry next year’s flowers.
- Every few years, remove some of the oldest, bare stems at the base to rejuvenate the plant.
- A bare, tangled plant can be cut back to 50 cm above the ground in February–March.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: February–March and July–August. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pruning in March 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: It flowers on last year’s shoots: prune it hard in winter and you lose a year of flowers. Perfoliate honeysuckle is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Similar to: Difference from Japanese honeysuckle · Difference from common honeysuckle
Plant profile: Perfoliate honeysuckle · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.