How to Prune a Honeysuckle

The honeysuckle plant, also known as the pigtail plant, is considered a plant that brings positive energy to space and wealth for the grower. Honeysuckle is popular because it requires little care. The tree has a thick stem, often braided, large green leaves, and the tree can grow up to 3 meters tall. Pruning will ensure that the tree does not grow too large and keeps its shape. Start by deciding when to prune the tree, then use garden shears to prune. You should bud and prune honeysuckle regularly to keep it lush and beautiful.

Table of Contents

Decide when to prune trees

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Prune the tree when it grows too large. Honeysuckle needs to be pruned when the branches start to grow too tall or too wide for the pot. You may see branches or leaves growing up or out from the side of the pot, causing the plant to skew. That’s when you have to prune to correct the shape of the tree and stimulate healthy shoots.

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Use garden shears to prune brown and wilted leaves. If you see leaves that are dry, wilted, or brown, you can remove them with pruning shears. Dry, brown leaves can be a sign that the air around the plant is too dry or too cold, but it can also be because the plant is not getting enough natural light. ^{[1] X Research Source}

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Regularly prune trees in the spring. Honeysuckle keeps its best shape if pruned at least once a year in spring. You should remember to prune the tree at least once between March and May for good growth for the rest of the year. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Prune

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Use sharp garden shears to prune trees. Look for pruning shears at garden supply stores or online. The pruning shears should be clean and sharp so that you can prune just as you want. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Do not use pruned scissors on other plants with pests, as they can spread the honeysuckle. You can use water to clean the scissors or use other scissors made specifically for pruning honeysuckle.

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Find two branches that form a V from the trunk. Find two branches that grow out of the trunk like a V. Measure the top of the V with your finger to mark the cut. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Prune the tree in a V-shaped position to ensure it maintains its shape and growth.

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Cut the stem about 1.3 cm above the V-shaped branches. Hold the pruning shears at a 45-degree angle when cutting the trunk. Make a neat cut to remove branches and leaves. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

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Cut branches on the top and sides of the tree. Prune gradually around the tree, cutting off top and side branches that grow too long. Remember to cut the trunk at the top of the V-shaped branches about 1.3 cm.

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Prune all branches that have dry or brown leaves. If you find the plant has dry or brown leaves, cut off the branches at a 45-degree diagonal angle. Remember to leave at least 1.3 cm of the branch so that it can grow back more luxuriant and healthy.

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Prune to no more than half the size of the tree. You should choose the safe solution and prune little by little. Cut off a few overgrown branches and all brown leaves. Step back and look at the tree. If the tree still has an irregular shape, keep pruning until the tree looks more even. ^{[6] X Research Source}

Do not remove too many branches, as this can cause the plant to be stunted. Prune a little at a time instead of pruning a lot all at once.

Tree maintenance

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Click and prune the tree regularly to prevent it from growing too large. If there are young shoots growing on the branches, gently pinch off the tips of the shoots with your hands to make them grow stronger. You can also use pruning shears to cut off branches that are too long to maintain size and stimulate growth. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

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Water the roots when the soil is dry. Use a watering can or watering can with a long hose to water the roots, as watering the stems or leaves can cause rotting and attract pests. Only water the roots when you feel the soil dry to the touch so that the plant does not become waterlogged. ^{[11] X Research Source Chai Saechao. Plant Specialist. Personal interview. February 20, 2020.}

Water less during the winter months to avoid rotting the roots.

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Repot the plant every 2-3 years. When the roots are fully grown, that’s when you need to repot the plant. The best time to repot is mid-summer. Remove the plant and soil from the pot. Use clean garden shears to trim ¼ of the roots, then place the plant in a new pot with a drainage hole or gravel and new soil. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Water the honeysuckle well after repotting to stimulate growth. You can submerge the pot in a pot of water or use a watering can to water the roots.

Steps

Decide when to prune trees

Prune

Tree maintenance

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