Lonicera Purpusii/ Shrubby Honeysuckle

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formidablelady Rochdale, United Kingdom(Zone 8a) May 07, 2007

I have a lonicera purpusii which flowered beautifully the 1st year I had it. I pruned it after flowering and it ended up with dieback on some of the stems. This year I hardly had any flowers. Ihave not pruned it yet and it now has had a massive growth spurt and is very lush. I have looked up pruning and it seems to say to cut back 1 in 3 old stems to 12 inches above the ground and then cut the rest back by a third. What is the correct method and is it too late?

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Len123 Adrian, MO(Zone 6a) May 07, 2007

I think you are probably over-pruning. Sounds like you have only had a couple years. when they say old stems, they mean several years old. You will prune the "old" stems when they get very thick and woody looking and have very few flowers. the old canes will be in the middle. If it's like lilacs, if you cut back severely will take 3 yrs for new growth to get blooming age. that is why they say only 1 in 3 old stems, cause if you cut them all back to 12in you won't have any blooms for a few years. If it looks good and you have plenty of flowers don't prune.

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formidablelady Rochdale, United Kingdom(Zone 8a) May 07, 2007

Thanks Len123, you are correct I love my secateurs lol. My only problem now is that its a bit like a Triffid. I can't believe how much its grown. Its taking over a bit. It reminds me of a buddleia.Should I still leave it?

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Len123 Adrian, MO(Zone 6a) May 07, 2007

I'd prune it as you wish, I don't think you will hurt it.Just try and leave some "older" stems for the flowers.

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