Question From: J. Koyle - MICHIGAN
Q: MY HONEYSUCKLE IS PROBABLY ABOUT 25 YEARS OLD AND VERY WOODEY. IT HAD LOVELY BLOOMS IN THE SPRING THIS YEAR BUT AFTER THE FLOWERS FADED THE LEAVES STARTED TO CURL UP AND THE INSIDE WHERE THE FLOWER WAS TURNED BLACK AND NO MORE FLOWERS. CAN I CUT THE WHOLE PLANT RIGHT BACK TO ABOUT 3 FEET AND SPRAY AND WILL IT COME BACK OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS IF I PUT NEEM OIL ON IT . THANKS
A: My guess is your shrub needs water. To revive it you can cut it back hard in spring before it buds out. If more than one third of the stems are brown and withered it may be best to replace it. Be sure your pruners are sharp. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
