Amur honeysuckle

Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) should be watered regularly to keep the soil slightly moist. Water the plant deeply to encourage strong root growth. During the growing season, water the plant when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feels dry. During the first 2 weeks after planting, water more often if it does not rain. Reduce watering during winter months when the plants are dormant. When in doubt, it is better to underwater than to overwater.

Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) thrives best when it is exposed to full sun throughout the day. This species prefers 6-8 hours of direct sunlight exposure each day. It is tolerant of partial shade, but will flower and produce fruit more abundantly when it receives more sun exposure. The plant enjoys the warmer months of spring and summer, and sunlight is an essential part of its growth.

Amur honeysuckle should be pruned in early spring, when it begins to grow and flower buds are visible. Pruning this plant should be done annually and should not be excessive. To promote healthy growth, lightly prune branches that become overgrown or clogged with vegetative foliage. Cutting back these branches will result in a fuller and more attractive plant. Keep in mind that cutting back branches too far can cause dieback or leave the plant vulnerable to disease. Seek out any dead or damaged branches and cut them off to encourage new growth. Finally, be sure not to prune more than ⅓ of the plant at any given time as this can cause serious damage to the honeysuckle.