Honeysuckle bush- how to encourage "bushiness" - Ask Extension
Diervilla "El Madrigal' Nightglow Bush Honeysuckle
We planted eight (8) honeysuckle bushes next to our sidewalk this past season.
They are...
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Honeysuckle bush- how to encourage "bushiness" #946293
Asked October 01, 2026, 3:12 PM EDT
Diervilla "El Madrigal' Nightglow Bush Honeysuckle
We planted eight (8) honeysuckle bushes next to our sidewalk this past season.
They are healthy and showed good growth, but the limbs are thin and scraggly.
How long will it take for these to form a "bush" ? how can we encourage?
Should we prune? if so, when?
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Shorten the sprawling stems by 1/3 after the plants are dormant. Now is not a good time to do it. Late winter or early spring before growth begins is the best time to prune.
The shrubs will develop multiple stems in time and become more bushy. Occasional light pruning during the growing season to enhance that habit is ok.
Diervilla spreads freely, so it may be necessary to control suckers in a year or two.
The shrubs will develop multiple stems in time and become more bushy. Occasional light pruning during the growing season to enhance that habit is ok.
Diervilla spreads freely, so it may be necessary to control suckers in a year or two.
