Clearance cut: Summer is the best time
The aim of thinning out the honeysuckle is to allow more light and air to reach the central shoot or the central shoots. Among other things, this reduces the risk of diseases such as powdery mildew. Conventional, sharp and clean secateurs are suitable for cutting.
also read
- Which location is ideal for the honeysuckle?
- The honeysuckle - features of this climber
- What kind of care does the honeysuckle keep alive and well?
In general, the honeysuckle is easy to cut. This is how you proceed with the clearing cut in summer (alternatively in spring):
- Remove too dense shoots
- take away dead shoots
- Remove annoying secondary drives
- cut off overlapping tendrils
Cut back: cut older ones radically and younger ones gently
In the spring between January and March or in the late autumn before the first frost period is the perfect time for a stronger pruning has come. This type of pruning is particularly necessary if the honeysuckle is bald. This happens, for example, in old age, but also if the location is too shady.
After such a cut, the honeysuckle sprouts again and branches better. The following aspects are noteworthy:
- do not cut away all central shoots radically
- remove old, withered shoots
- Cut older specimens down to 50 cm above the ground
- use sharp pruning shears
- cut through each shoot individually to avoid crushing
Old wood doesn't always drift
Although various experts claim that the honeysuckle can withstand a cut in old wood. Sometimes that's not the case. With bad luck, a radical cut is followed by sparse shoots or the plant dies. The green young shoots, on the other hand, tolerate cutting much better.
Cut off sick shoots
Even if the honeysuckle is growing properly, a cut may be necessary, for example, if it is infected with diseases. Sick parts of the plant should be removed immediately. For example, the honeysuckle is attacked by powdery mildew, especially when it is dry in summer.
After the cut, pull cuttings
If you cut back the honeysuckle in spring or clear it in summer, you can use some shoots for propagation. It should be slightly woody shoots. The honeysuckle can be propagated without any problems (cuttings). The lower leaves are removed and the cutting is placed in a pot of potting soil.
Tips & Tricks
Make sure you make the cut cleanly. Otherwise there is an increased risk of fungal diseases settling.
