What Is This Vine/shrub? And When Do I Prune It?

Question

This bush has not been pruned in years. There is a lot of woody branching on the inside, with green only at the outer part. I’d like to cut it down and have it start over but I’m not sure if that will ruin it.ive read some vines can be cut back in winter, some warn not until spring? It sometimes blooms with bright yellow, kind of trumpet like flowers, but I have not seen it bloom much recently.If I could properly identify it i could do better research on the proper care, any help is appreciated!

Answer 1

That is, actually, two different plants.

It looks like a wild Honeysuckle has made its way into an Azalea. You might notice that some of the branches to not vine, while other might grow uncontrollably.

The leaf texture will let you know which plant you are dealing with. It will be best to cut the softer, less glossy plant out. That is the Honeysuckle. It will end up killing the Azaleas in the area.

The glossy, thick leaved Azalea shrubs should be left alone to grow. Once the Honeysuckle is removed the Azalea will begin to grow to their potential. This will require removing the main trunk of honeysuckle as well as any new shoots that come out.