40 yr old honeysuckles - Ask Extension
The last few years have noticed leaves dropping in summer..this year not as many blooms...looking pitiful...is it just us not keeping up with watering...
Knowledgebase
40 yr old honeysuckles #941616
Asked August 05, 2026, 1:48 PM EDT
The last few years have noticed leaves dropping in summer..this year not as many blooms...looking pitiful...is it just us not keeping up with watering etc or is it time to start with new plants?
Coos County Oregon
Expert Response
Thanks for your question.
The symptoms you are describing could be signs of drought stress. However, 40 years is a long life for honeysuckles so they may be not be able to generate much vigorous growth anymore.
Recommend that you try some deep watering at the drip lines first. Also, you could try pruning back up to one third of the branches. This would help lessen the stress on roots as they try to support the shrubs greenery and flower production. It is certainly worth trying.
The symptoms you are describing could be signs of drought stress. However, 40 years is a long life for honeysuckles so they may be not be able to generate much vigorous growth anymore.
Recommend that you try some deep watering at the drip lines first. Also, you could try pruning back up to one third of the branches. This would help lessen the stress on roots as they try to support the shrubs greenery and flower production. It is certainly worth trying.
Thanks! Should we do the 1/3 cutback now or later in fall? I don't think we're worried about blooms next year unless it rejuvenates the plants. We're right on the coast so very little frost. Should we fertilize in the spring as most recommend online? We're crossing our fingers. Actually looked it up and it was around 1990 when we planted them. Thanks again.
That's neat that you kept track of when you planted these honeysuckles.
Lonicera spp (Honeysuckles) usually bloom earlier so you should prune now for summer growth. Here is a link to an Oregon State Extension publication - "Pruning Trees and Shrubs" - https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/extd8/files/documents/12281/pruningtreesshrubs.pdf. Take a look at Table 1 - Honeysuckle is listed here so summer pruning is recommended.
Honeysuckles in the ground really don't need regular fertilizing. You could have your soil tested to see if additional nutrients are required. Or you could lightly fertilize with a balanced, slow release fertilizer in the spring.
Hope they can be rejuvenated.
Lonicera spp (Honeysuckles) usually bloom earlier so you should prune now for summer growth. Here is a link to an Oregon State Extension publication - "Pruning Trees and Shrubs" - https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/extd8/files/documents/12281/pruningtreesshrubs.pdf. Take a look at Table 1 - Honeysuckle is listed here so summer pruning is recommended.
Honeysuckles in the ground really don't need regular fertilizing. You could have your soil tested to see if additional nutrients are required. Or you could lightly fertilize with a balanced, slow release fertilizer in the spring.
Hope they can be rejuvenated.
