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Lonicera Japonica 'Halliana'
Damon
Posts: 12
I planted this evergreen climber about 2- 3 years ago. In the first year it grew really fast against the fence it sits against climbing up to 6' . Then in the last two years it seems to have gone all twiggy with a lot of leaf loss (as per picture). It resides in a west facing position and the soil seems to be moist. I recently went to a garden centre and the person who I spoke to said you need to cut it back, however I wasn't convinced as this plant is suppose to grow 5m x 5m. Can anyone advise me please?
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Posts
Well whoever you asked was right. Honeysuckle goes leggy if it's not pruned. A good soaking once a week and you'll get new growth. Although it doesn't look bad, I'd suspect it isn't getting enough water, otherwise it would be twice that size.
Honeysuckles can be cut back hard and grow again stronger than ever.
In the sticks near Peterborough
How much should I cut it back by? In terms of height can you advise? Really appreciate quick response however how would this plant grow to 5m x 5m if I'm cutting it back?
You can cut it back to knee height. If you want it to get to 5m then it'll need some support to get to that height. At the moment there doesn't appear to be any. Hard pruning can be done now, but better in spring, so I'd take out half of it, give it some support and keep it well watered. Flowering will be later but that's the price you pay. Honeysuckle rarely needs feeding but give it a small boost with some fish,bone and blood. You should see a significant improvement.
I'd cut it back to a foot or two above the ground, above a bud. I have a few Hallianas and they are tough plants but can get very leggy if allowed to rampage at will.
I think I'll leave pruning till spring then. Thanks for all the advice!