Question
I live in northwest Montana, I have 2 honeysuckle plants for the first few years after planting they grew very well and flowered all summer, they are approx. 10 feet tall now and are supported by a trellis and are about 20 feet apart. The last year and this year they are doing very poor, the leaves start to come out and then start curling and shrivel up, they have had bad infestation of afids and I have sprayed them with soap water last year which seemed to get rid of the afids but they still are not doing good. I have tested the soil ph and it is just under 7, the plants are approx. 10 years old. What might the problem be?

Answer
Brad:
Difficult to say w/o examining a physical specimen. Consider having a soil sample tested for nutrients as well. You can contact your local garden center for ways to have this done.  Your local county Extension office most likely will do it free. Also, take a look at the soil moisture. Is it staying overly wet or even very dry? Look for any damage on the basal part of the plant- any bark damage etc.? Any weedkillers/herbicides or other chemicals sprayed on or nearby? Just a few things to look at first. Your Extension office may be in a position to look at a sample for you. Give them a call and see if they can assist.

Regards
Steve