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Tending honeysuckle vines #813565

Asked October 07, 2022, 4:52 PM EDT

Hello, I had three trellises planted with honeysuckle August 2021. Last season they didn't grow much, so I left them as is over the winter. But what about now? They grew nicely this year. Once the first frost hits and their leaves fall, do I cut back the stems then? If so, how far down? Or do I let the stems remain entwined on the trellis during winter and cut them back in early spring? I haven't trimmed the stems at all, even when I felt the bottom was getting a little crazy. (I can't say I really understand the growth pattern here.) Can I dispense with the three "bamboo" support sticks at this point? Would it be good to add a little compost under the mulch to provide nutrients for winter? All instruction appreciated. Thank you.

Denver County Colorado

Expert Response

Christine thank you for your email. Honeysuckles will die back in the winter. There is no need to cut back at this time. They will die back in the winter. Next spring you can shape the vine and tie up any growth that looks like it will break. They are very hardy and do well in our climate. Care is mostly maintaining the vines so they don't break and get out of hand. Depending on how full you want the plant to get is what will guide your pruning. Intertwining is natural to Honeysuckle. Some branches will dry out and die. You can prune those any time. Mulch the base and if you want you can add some compost. Next spring when most of the blossoms are done you can fertilize with a general fertilizer,
Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied October 13, 2022, 3:40 PM EDT

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