Honeysuckle Plants Seem Mostly Dead This Year

Question From: J. Merke - ILLINOIS
Q: Hi Nancy. I was wondering if you could give me some insight as to why my honeysuckle plants died after 18 years of beautiful and fragrant life! I have them in three different areas and this year 99% of the plant is dead. I do see some life and I’m not sure what to do next. Do I completely remove them or just cut all the dead to see if it will revive itself with the new growth that is appearing here and there? Thank you for taking the time to help me with this plant issue.

A: My guess is they are victims of the polar vortex. Since you are seeing life, the roots are still alive, so I would cut them back. Fertilizing them with Plant Tone by Espoma at the recommended rate. Make sure to keep them watered during the heat of the summer. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.