|
Post by desertwoman on Sept 5, 2023 12:06:10 GMT -5
Honeysuckle is pretty drought tolerant but this one has a lot of dead wood. There is leaf growth in patches so it seems there is life in this ol' gal (at least 15 years old). I had assumed that the honeysuckle was a victim of our drought, and after the abundant rains last summer I had high hopes it would revive. Not. It still is patchy. I've been reading on line about hard pruning honeysuckles but want to know if any of you have had any experience and tips to pass along with hard pruning (some suggest cutting it 6-12 inches from the ground, which makes me anxious!)
|
|
|
Post by binnylou on Sept 5, 2023 13:10:04 GMT -5
Is the area without leaves really dead…brittle and snaps when bent? An article found suggests that shade from the upper parts of the plant can cause leaf drop. Do you want the vine/bush above your roofline? If not, you might consider reducing the height of the plant. It does create some nice shade for that part of the house wall.
We had a planting of honeysuckle bush many years ago. It was tough and tangled and the catbird loved it. We gave it no care, just mowed around it. Then we purchased more property adjacent to ours. Fencing was removed along with the honeysuckles.
|
|
|
Post by desertwoman on Sept 5, 2023 16:20:42 GMT -5
Is the area without leaves really dead…brittle and snaps when bent? Yeah, most of them are brittle. But some of them aren't. I suspect it is more than a shade issue but . My other concern is that I don't see new growth down low (which is where it was suggested to cut the vine back to) so I am hesitant to cut it so far back. I like the idea of lowering it below the roof line. The only reason I have left it that high is that that is where the lushest growth is (so maybe it is a shade issue...hmm) Maybe I should start with cutting it back that far and see what it does next year. Baby steps.
|
|
|
Post by gardendmpls on Sept 5, 2023 22:12:40 GMT -5
I had high hopes it would revive. Not. It still is patchy. Well, if you can't revive it, I would be delighted to donate the vines that snuck over from my neighbor (across a driveway, no less) and keep trying to take over my front bed and to sneak onto the front porch. I wouldn't even have to mail it; could just point the vines in your direction and it will take off running. Smells heavenly, though, so I let a little hang out while it is blooming before hacking away.
|
|