Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_10.gif)
Tuesday - January 31, 2012
From: Iredell, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pruning, Vines
Title: When to prune Texas Coral Honeysuckle in Iredell, TX?
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
When can I prune Texas coral honeysuckle? It needs to be pruned so that it will fill out. Also, how much do I prune it? Thank you,ANSWER:
Lonicera sempervirens (Coral honeysuckle) is a high-climbing, twining vine, 3-20 ft. long, with smooth, glossy, paired, semi-evergreen leaves and 2-4 flowered clusters of red, tubular blooms followed by bright-red berries. Bloom time; March, April, May, June.
We often get questions about pruning, and they generally fall into three categories; why do I prune? how do I prune? and when do I prune? This link to Aggie-horticulture has an extensive general article that provides good answers to all three categories.
This link to eHow.com has information specific to coral honeysuckle.
Pruning now will give you fewer blooms to enjoy, so you should wait until flowering is past.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Plants for pergola in Lubbock TX
May 29, 2013 - I need suggestions of plants, vines, bushes to plant in my backyard near my wooden pergola that will work well in full sun in Lubbock, TX. Ideally, I'd like some that attract hummingbirds and provide...
view the full question and answer
Vines to Cover Brush Pile in Maryland
April 29, 2013 - We have a large brush pile on our property that we'd intended to burn, but it is big enough now that it would require the help of the fire department! I'm thinking I'd like to cover it with native ...
view the full question and answer
Groundcover for a Sunny, Steep Slope in Maryland
April 29, 2013 - I need a groundcover for a sunny dry steep slope in Towson, Maryland. The slope goes from the parking lot down to a deck area.
view the full question and answer
Need a native vine to grow on a fence next to a horse pasture in Kerrville, TX.
May 01, 2013 - I have a wooden fence between my yard and the horse pasture. I would like to plant a native Texas vine (grapevine, honeysuckle, etc.) to cover the fence that will be evergreen and showy, but one that ...
view the full question and answer
Vine in New Braunfels for Baytown, TX
July 25, 2009 - I have seen a vine in New Braunfels that looks nothing like the trumpet vine or trumpet creeper; however, the flower is almost identical. The flower is more pink though, and the leaves look more like...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |