Caring for Winter Honeysuckle

Winter honeysuckle is low-maintenance once established. Water regularly during the first year, especially in dry spells, to help roots establish. After that, the shrub is fairly drought-tolerant and usually needs watering only during prolonged summer dry periods. On sandy soils, check moisture levels more frequently. Clay and loam soils generally retain enough moisture without intervention. Avoid waterlogging; moderate water need means the soil should stay evenly moist but never sodden. Feed once a year in March with a general-purpose granular fertiliser such as blood, fish and bone or Growmore, scattered around the base at the rate recommended on the packet. Alternatively, apply a 5 cm layer of well-rotted compost or manure as a mulch in early spring; this feeds the soil and suppresses weeds in one go. Renew mulch annually to maintain soil structure and moisture retention. Winter honeysuckle is hardy in zones 4a–8b and requires no special winter protection in temperate Europe. The flowers appear on bare stems in late winter and are valued for their sweet fragrance, so site the plant near a path or door where you'll notice the scent on mild days. Pests and diseases are rarely a problem. Aphids occasionally colonise soft new growth in spring; a strong jet of water or an insecticidal soap usually deals with them. Powdery mildew can appear on foliage in dry summers, particularly in sheltered spots with poor air circulation, but it's mostly cosmetic and doesn't seriously harm the plant. Ensure good spacing and thin congested growth during pruning to reduce the risk. No routine spraying is necessary.