How to Trim Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle

Overview

Dropmore scarlet honeysuckle is a fast-growing, twining vine with beautiful red flowers (not high in fragrance). It is hardy in zones 4 to 9. This beautiful plant blooms in late spring to early summer. It can be used as a ground cover or trained to grow on a trellis, fence or arbor. Hummingbirds are attracted to the scarlet blossoms. As with most honeysuckle vines, it will require light pruning to develop its shape when first planted, and you should do this after it has completed blossoming. Continue yearly light pruning until the plant is established (within two years), then you can prune more severely to promote new growth.

Step 1

Cut away any broken or damaged part of the vine. You can do this at any time during the season.

Step 2

View the shape of the vine throughout the growing season and prune lightly to maintain its shape and space in your garden. This will also control its growth on your arbor, trellis or fence. Deposit the plant material in your compost bin.

Step 3

Prune the honeysuckle vine severely to rejuvenate and to promote additional growth in the spring, by cutting some select vines down to the ground. Do this in the fall or early spring.