Like many climbers, honeysuckle will need pruning, possibly hard, after flowering – prune summer-flowering varieties in autumn and winter ones in spring. Take your shears to excessive growth, ruthlessly cutting back to reduce the plant to 0.6m (24in) in height, and train vigorous new shoots to cover the whole of the support structure. To stimulate bushy growth, keep pinching out the growing tips.
To prune a neglected honeysuckle first untangle it, if possible untying it from its supports and laying it flat on the ground. Cut out the oldest, woodiest growths, either right down to the base or to just above a bud or strong, young side-shoot, then re-tie evenly to the support.
After pruning, apply a general fertiliser, water and mulch to help the honeysuckle to recover.