How to Care for a Honeysuckle Plant

Overview

The honeysuckle vine (Lonicera japonica) is an old-fashioned favorite, prized not only for its sweet smell but also for its white and yellow flowers. Once a honeysuckle vine is established, it requires almost no care at all and will continue to grow for many years. Honeysuckle will attract bees and hummingbirds to your landscape, and when the tiny berries appear in autumn, they'll provide a feast for songbirds.

Step 1

Water a new honeysuckle vine deeply and keep the soil moist until the honeysuckle vine shows signs of growth. After that time, an inch of water per week is adequate.

Step 2

Feed the honeysuckle vine an all-purpose granular fertilizer every spring. Apply the granular fertilizer according to the directions on the package.

Step 3

Spread 1 to 2 inches of organic mulch such as shredded bark or pine needles around the base of the honeysuckle vine; replenish the mulch as it decomposes, or if it blows away. Mulch will keep weeds under control and will retain moisture in the soil.

Step 4

Prune the honeysuckle vine every year in late winter or early spring to keep it under control. Remove any dead and dying growth and tangled vines, and prune the vine to the desired shape. Pinch the ends of the vines occasionally throughout the year to encourage bushy growth.