Pruning should usually be done in fall after the leaves of grape honeysuckle drop, before germination. Fertilizing and pruning after blooming can encourage grape honeysuckle to bloom again. Stronger branches need light pruning while weaker branches need hard pruning. Dry or old branches need to be completely pruned because pruning older branches can help younger branches develop. Pruning the branches in the middle can promote air circulation in the center of the plant while also letting lower branches receive more sunlight.
After pruning, the plant's branches will bloom at similar times, so you can harvest more flowering branches at a time. It is recommended to just lightly prune newly planted grape honeysuckle as long as its shape is controlled.