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» Willy World » Gardening Reference » Gardening in 2005 » Cape Honeysuckle Pruning

   
Author Garden: Cape Honeysuckle Pruning
cogitovici
Gardener
Member # 4475

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Hi,

We have about a 40-foot wide area of Cape Honeysuckle that we use as a privacy screen. It is against the back of our hill, and is gorgeous. In some areas, it has gotten to be maybe 12-15 feet high, and is really too big and becoming unmanageable. Too, the color on one 20 foot section is not as bright and green as the rest.

A tree trimmer who helps around the property said he would cut them back to about 8 foot high. I have read they can be cut back to the ground or just even a foot and would then fill in at the bottom.

We would like to fill in the entire area. Right now, they hang out over a patio area, and provide wonderful shade in the summer too.

I thought of cutting maybe a third of them very low, and cutting the rest off at about 6-8 feet.

Any idea how they will take to that, and what is a good time of the year/season to do this to get the best regrowth?

Thanks,
Cogito

Plants: 2 | From: San Diego | Registered: Jan 2005  |  Seeded: 68.101.220.53
catlover
The Cheetah!
Member # 654

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Hey Cogito, can you see me waving from Fallbrook [wayey]

Here are some links Geegeeburr and I were discussing honeysuckle...hope it helps. Right now mine are really doing well....green as can be and a lot of new growth lately.

Tecomaria capensis....cape honeysuckle
2nd link
3rd link shows you what they look like after a mega trimming.

contains info on covering base with dirt

The hummingbirds and orioles just love these shrubs!!! [thumb]

Others may have more advice for you.
Catlover [wayey]

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Plants: 7129 | From: California | Registered: Mar 2003  |  Seeded: 68.66.244.5
geegeeburr
Garden Pro!
Member # 3674

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Hey Cogito!
I'd be interested to hear what you end up doing, and how they come back. I still haven't thinned mine out because our Great Backyard Patio Project is in perpetual stall right now, so I'd really be like to see or hear about your results after you trim them. Have fun!

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Plants: 1044 | From: Van Nuys, CA | Registered: Sep 2004  |  Seeded: 69.166.254.245
cogitovici
Gardener
Member # 4475

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Wow,

There's some great information there. Thank you so much. I will report back once everything is done and particularly after things start to grow back!

Thank you both very much!
Cogito

Plants: 2 | From: San Diego | Registered: Jan 2005  |  Seeded: 68.101.220.53
   

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