I have had this Honey suckle vine for around 7 years. Can't really remember when I planted it. Last summer I noticed that it has a lot of dead branches for the first time along with lots of new foliage. I am wondering if I should trim it back alittle now or let it just go and leave the dead branches for the birds and the unique look. I will edit this to add a picture from last summer when I get on my regular computer.


This picture was taken on 10/12/2014.

Honeysuckle vines easily recover from even heavy pruning(more than half). Pruning while they are dormant is best because it will have the least impact on flowering. However, they can be pruned anytime. Unless the dead branches are diseased or insect infested, the vine won't care what you do. So, whether to prune or not is your option.

, Rick. I think I will wait until mid summer when it has filled out with leaves and flowers, and then I will trim back the scraggly dead branches that are sticking out all over the place. I hope to straighten up the trellis some, too. I love how big and full it has gotten.

we have two very established honeysuckles. by that I mean they're both at least 15 years old. we cut ours back to 6 inches every 4-5 years. otherwise they get so overgrown they actually stop flowering. only takes a few months in spring for them to start flowering again. last time we cut ours back was two summers ago. they're going absolutely gang busters now!!

Welcome Riverman! I have three different cultivars of honeysuckle and have found some much more vigorous than others. But, mostly I can prune whenever I want and they recover quickly. Same as Riverman, the most vigorous I cut back early in the season to about 6" and it just goes gangbusters. The less vigorous one recovers less quickly but does do so. Prune at will is my advice!

I have to prune frequently, or it would take over.