trumpet honeysuckle Interesting Notes

Trumpet honeysuckle is an attractive woody vining plant with showy clusters of 2” long, crimson tubular flowers. It is quite vigorous, growing from 10-20’ tall and is easily trained on a trellis, arbor or fence. The attractive bluish leaves are deciduous in the north but evergreen in warmer climates. The plant blooms heavily in late spring then sporadically until fall. It prefers well-drained, evenly-moist soil and produces flowers most profusely in full sun. Hummingbirds love the flowers, so try growing trumpet honeysuckle with plants that give a succession of bloom to attract these beautiful birds. A few companions include Aesculus pavia, Aquilegia canadensis, and Spigelia marilandica. - Mt. Cuba Center

Lonicera sempervirens Growing and Maintenance Tips

Trumpet honeysuckle prefers average, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. More sun will give you more flowers. Tolerant of drought and dry soils once established, but either may reduce flower production and growth. Blooms on previous year's growth and new growth, so you can trim it back or leave it be. Prune to best suit your site. Lonicera sempervirens is a twining vine and needs small to medium width support to climb. Ideal on a trellis or open fence. Can climb a wood fence with help getting started.

Good Substitutions

Lonicera sempervirens 'Major Wheeler'

Lonicera sempervirens 'Magnifica'