WHEN to hard prune old but very healthy jasmine and honeysuckle?

hortulanus · May 2022

Hi all, I know there have been quite a few discussions about hard pruning jasmine officianale and honeysuckle, but I am struggling to find out what time of year is best to do so.

I have a fence covered by two magnificent old specimens of jasmine and honeysuckle which have not been touched for at least 15 years. All the foliage/flowers are hanging over the top of, and outside of, my fence, rather that inside where I can enjoy them. Mostly what I can see on my side are the thick bare stems (up to 4-5 cm thick).

I plan to hard prune both down to 2 ft or so, and then train the new growth onto my side of the fence where I can see it!

I really don't want to kill these gorgeous plants. WHEN is the best time to hard prune? Can I do it straight after flowering? Or should I wait till late Winter/early Spring? I live in Cambridgeshire.

Also, given how thick the stems are, should I treat the cut ends to protect them from disease?

Please help! I have spent many hours online but cannot find a definitive answer! Thank you so much.

Fairygirl · May 2022

Honeysuckle can really be pruned almost any time @hortulanus , but spring is better because the plant can get going again quickly.

I don't know about jasmine, but someone will hopefully see this now and be able to help. Usually after flowering is the ideal time though

WHEN to hard prune old but very healthy jasmine and honeysuckle?

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