honeysuckle

Honeysuckle (Lonicera italica 'Sherlite' HARLEQUIN) requires moderate to frequent watering during its flowering period. To ensure proper health and flower production, the soil should be kept lightly moist but not saturated. Water the plant when the top 2”-3” (5-7 cm) of soil is dry. Water in the morning and at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, as it can cause problems with mildew and other types of fungal diseases. During the winter months, the plant does not require frequent watering as it is dormant. Allow the soil to slightly dry between waterings.

Honeysuckle (Lonicera italica 'Sherlite' HARLEQUIN) plants will need 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day and should be planted in an area that receives full or partial sun. It is best if the morning sun is more abundant than afternoon sun since honeysuckle will be more likely to suffer from sunburn in the highly intense heat of the day. If planting in partial sun, it is best to make sure those plants will receive no less than 4 hours of direct sunlight. It is also best to provide some afternoon shade to plants that will be exposed to the hot sun for more than 3 or 4 hours per day.

Honeysuckle (Lonicera italica 'Sherlite' HARLEQUIN) should be pruned in early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning encourages more vigorous growth with increased blooming. Cut back the stems to just above the desired branching points. If the plant has become overgrown, it can be pruned back more severely to reduce its size. To rejuvenate the plant, shear back all stems to within 8-12 inches of the ground. This will encourage new, more vigorous, flowering stems. Keep in mind that honeysuckle responds best to light pruning. When pruning, trim off only dead, broken, or diseased parts of the plant. Remove any suckers, or shoots, that come up from the runners.