What is wrong with my honeysuckles?

[downwithmaterialistdogma]

Both my honeysuckles have leaves which are going purple. One of them has leaves which are stunted and yellowing once the purple has taken hold. They are both flowering. No signs of pests or mould/mildew present.

The garden soil is clay. I fertilise with Miracle Grow long acting fertiliser balls.

I googled and all the results came back with phosphorus deficiency, which I have treated for. Early days yet.

The lady at the garden centre said that honeysuckle don't grow in clay soil and that they're somewhat problematic. I've googled and it says that they do grow in clay.

I'm on the verge of removing them both, but if anyone has any ideas as to what might save them I'd be interested to hear as I hate giving up on established plants. One has been in for 10 years and has looked ropey for about half that time. The other is onto its third year and is just starting to look ropey. The garden is northwest facing and gets the sun throughout the afternoon.

One of mine has the purple leaf thing going on, I hadn't really thought of it as a problem as it still flowers and comes back every year.

Have you ever pruned either of them?

Yes they've always been pruned, but the later one was in a pot in the front garden and the purple leaf thing didn't happen. I think it's something to do with the soil unfortunately. I've actually scrapped the older one as I can't bear looking at sickly plants.

Hmm.. honeysuckles love clay soil don't they? I'm sorry no advice, but I don't actually think it looks all that sickly- is it definitely not a variety like purpurea that's supposed to look like that?

I don't think it's that version because it used to be a bit better and had nice green leaves for a few years. The leaves are turning purple then yellow then die 😭 the leaves are also stunted in size when they come each spring.

The woman in the garden centre said they're tricky to grow, but I always assumed they were quite easy.

Mine also has purple on the leaves but grows and flowers pretty well so I've just left it alone.

i've just bought some from the nursery and they look like that.