40 yr old honeysuckles - Ask Extension
The last few years have noticed leaves dropping in summer..this year not as many blooms...looking pitiful...is it just us not keeping up with watering...
Knowledgebase
40 yr old honeysuckles #941616
Asked August 05, 2026, 1:48 PM EDT
The last few years have noticed leaves dropping in summer..this year not as many blooms...looking pitiful...is it just us not keeping up with watering etc or is it time to start with new plants?
Coos County Oregon
Expert Response
Thanks for your question.
The symptoms you are describing could be signs of drought stress. However, 40 years is a long life for honeysuckles so they may be not be able to generate much vigorous growth anymore.
Recommend that you try some deep watering at the drip lines first. Also, you could try pruning back up to one third of the branches. This would help lessen the stress on roots as they try to support the shrubs greenery and flower production. It is certainly worth trying.
The symptoms you are describing could be signs of drought stress. However, 40 years is a long life for honeysuckles so they may be not be able to generate much vigorous growth anymore.
Recommend that you try some deep watering at the drip lines first. Also, you could try pruning back up to one third of the branches. This would help lessen the stress on roots as they try to support the shrubs greenery and flower production. It is certainly worth trying.
