Honeysuckle-To prune or not to prune?

[gardenqueen]

I have a honeysuckle with orange coloured flowers, growing over an arch. Although not rampant, the leaves are looking decidedly sickly, yellowing and blotchy. Should I prune hard back now or even discard it?

[gardenqueen]

[Poolcue]

I thought you were supposed to cut back in early Spring.

[Linnea]

I agree, best time to prune Lonicera is feb/march.
How old is the honeysuckle?

[BarriedaleNick]

I pruned mine right back when it was looking a bit sickly and it was pretty big.
It grew back much better than it was - I dont recall even giving it a feed.
Actually it needs a bit of trim but Ill wait till it has died right back..

[grannyjanny]

I did mine 3 years ago, Graham Thomas. I just pruned it to 3' but I left it over the archway & removed it in the Spring when it had all died back. It seemed easier to do then.

[gardenqueen]

The honeysuckle is about 4 years old.

Could it be something to do with the fact that it is growing below a conifer and maybe I need to replenish the soil and feed? I will however take your advice and prune in February/March to about 3 feet.

[Linnea]

The conifer is not going to help the honeysuckle to take up water/food so I would (once pruned) give it a feed and a mulch to get going

[zigzig]

Another plant which is basically a weed.

Cut them into shape any time you fancy and almost certainly they will recover.

They definately do not need to be molly coddled.

[nettie23@btinternet.com]

Sorry I haven't got back to you before now Linnea and Zigzag. Thank you for your advice.