Troubleshooting
Lonicera caprifolium problems — and how to fix them
Lonicera caprifolium (Lonicera caprifolium) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Powdery mildew
A white floury coating on leaves in hot, dry summers — caused by dry roots and poor airflow; mulch, water and thin congested growth.
Aphid infestation
Sticky honeydew and curled new shoots from blackfly or greenfly, worst on soft drought-stressed growth.
Bare, leggy base with flowers only at the top
Too much sun on the lower stems or insufficient pruning; cut back hard after flowering and shade the base.
Few or no flowers
Usually too much shade or over-feeding with nitrogen, which favours leaf over bloom.
Prevent lonicera caprifolium problems before they start
Most lonicera caprifolium issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for lonicera caprifolium in general rather than its problems? Read the full lonicera caprifolium care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Lonicera caprifolium problems — FAQ
Why is my lonicera caprifolium powdery mildew?
A white floury coating on leaves in hot, dry summers — caused by dry roots and poor airflow; mulch, water and thin congested growth.
Why is my lonicera caprifolium aphid infestation?
Sticky honeydew and curled new shoots from blackfly or greenfly, worst on soft drought-stressed growth.
Why is my lonicera caprifolium bare, leggy base with flowers only at the top?
Too much sun on the lower stems or insufficient pruning; cut back hard after flowering and shade the base.
Why is my lonicera caprifolium few or no flowers?
Usually too much shade or over-feeding with nitrogen, which favours leaf over bloom.