Some Honeyberry Bush Leaves Are Turning Purple

Question From: Wayland, Massachusetts, United States
Q: Some of the leaves on my honeyberry bush (Lonicera spp) are turning purple but are otherwise healthy and not dry and misshapen. Could this be sunburn or something more serious?

A: My guess is your shrub is in stress from excessive heat. Plants cannot take up moisture fast enough to make up for excessive transpiration when the temperatures reach into the 90s. Keep your shrub well watered and fertilize it with a good organic fertilizer such as Espoma Tree Tone according to package directions in late fall or very early spring. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy