Vine honeysuckle

by Jenny Rayner
(Peterborough, UK.)

I have inherited a honeysuckle vine that is very untidy. It was using the branches of another climber for support and we have had to cut that right back. The honeysuckle has lots of new growth on it but my husband wants to cut that right back too. I am reluctant as I am not sure whether it should be done at this stage of growth or time of year. It has several vines going across the bed just above ground level and some of them have new growth at the ends but are very bare in the middle. If I do cut back, where should I cut to? Some advice, please.