Oh I managed to miss this post and have posted about the same issue. I'm in north facing garden, from about 11 feet in shade and sun at top of plant. It looked great, but now just shedding leaves and mildew everywhere. Lots of flower buds though. I only moved in Nov so no idea if same thing happened last year. I was wondering about cutting it right back later this year but I don't know if it will respond to that. And the birds do like hopping about in it!
Every few years I clip my honeysuckles hard back against the fence about now, feed with Fish blood and bone and water water water the root area. Two buckets full every other day from now until September. Start the same watering regimen next year in early March. Also in March give a feed with rose or clematis feed.
Most climbers, particularly honeysuckle, are susceptible to powdery mildew when they’re too dry deep down at the roots. They need a moist shady and deep rootrun. So clear grass etc away, feed as above, mulch it’s lots of organic matter and water water water.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
It seems to be planted right up against that wall which won't help with moisture reserves either. The wall prevents rainwater getting in properly, and they also soak up a lot of water themselves.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Agree with @Fairygirl perhaps a position a meter (or however much is feasible) away from the wall would help. Alternatively use Dove's suggestion to layer a stem at such a position and start a second plant. Interesting about the bricks and the heat, I don't know the answer to that, but would be inclined to persist.
Thanks all. Mine is in the shade most of the day, apart from very top. I hadnt really though about the rain not getting to roots as there had been so much of it here. Not enough room to move away from wall as the garden is very (very) narrow.
So suggesting is to actually cut it back now? Unfortunately, the way it's been grown it's sort of layered in a funny way. One snip in the wrong place and I'll cut off the whole top of the plant! But maybe it's what is needed. Thanks
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Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
So suggesting is to actually cut it back now? Unfortunately, the way it's been grown it's sort of layered in a funny way. One snip in the wrong place and I'll cut off the whole top of the plant! But maybe it's what is needed. Thanks