Pruning honeysuckle can increase yields; mastering the method is key

Experiments have shown that pruning aging honeysuckle in early autumn can achieve a bumper harvest of honeysuckle the following year.

In the production of Chinese medicinal materials, pruning honeysuckle, especially pruning it in early autumn, is an effective technical measure for regulating stem and vine growth, promoting flower bud differentiation, extending plant lifespan, and ensuring stable, high yields. Pruned honeysuckle can generally increase yields by 35-45%, with some reaching more than double. After pruning measures are taken for honeysuckle plants entering the aging stage, their flowering period can also be extended by 5-6 years.

When honeysuckle enters the aging stage, the leaves are sparse, small, and pale in color, with many dead branches, a shrinking crown, and few weak flowers. For honeysuckle in this condition, heavy pruning can be used for renewal and rejuvenation, extending the plant's lifespan and maintaining stable yields. When pruning, the principle of "cut all dead branches, heavily prune diseased branches, lightly prune weak branches, and do not prune strong branches" should be strictly followed. The specific methods are: First, thoroughly cut off all dead branches in the flower clump, regardless of size or location, to reduce nutrient consumption and water evaporation. Second, cut off all branches damaged by pests and diseases. The remaining parts should be conducive to the renewal of the entire clump, the formation of main framework branches, and harmony with the crown. Third, remove the weak new shoots and buds sprouting from the main stem and framework branches, keep the robust ones, and rely on these branches with a certain vitality together with strong branches to form a new group of effective branches that produce more flower buds. Fourth, strong branches, whether normal or overly vigorous, should be retained as framework branches for renewing the old clump; be sure not to cut them.

In the aging stage, honeysuckle has many old, dead, and diseased branches that have already become woody and are also relatively thick. Therefore, larger branches must be cut with a pruning saw. After sawing, melt wax and apply it to the cut surface to seal the opening, reducing water evaporation and preventing plant death caused by rain infection. When completely cutting off larger lateral branches, they should be sawed off at a point about 30 cm from the base of the branch, so that latent buds can sprout and form new branches. When cutting off larger dead lateral branches, they should be sawed off at about 2 cm from the base of the branch, with the saw cut made at a slant facing downward (a slant cut is sufficient for vertical branches).