Time Frame

• The ideal time to prune the flame honeysuckle is in the spring before the plant produces new growth. This timing allows the plant to recover before the summer blooming period.
  
  

Strategy

• Flame honeysuckle is cold hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11. In subfreezing weather, the plant dies back to the ground. In warm climates, cut back the flame honeysuckle to the ground every third year to rejuvenate an older plant. Routine spring pruning includes cutting the plant to one-third its original size.
  
  

Tools

• Use sharp bypass pruning shears to prune the flame honeysuckle. Make sure the shears are newly sharpened so that you don't crush the stems. Disinfect them before and after pruning.