Trumpet Honeysuckle

(Lonicera sempervirens)

Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Lonicera sempervirens, commonly known as Trumpet Honeysuckle, is a semi-evergreen twining vine that can climb to heights of 20 feet or more, often through shrubs and young trees. It is native to a variety of habitats in the South Central and Southeastern USA, including forest edges, open woodlands, and fence rows. The vine typically has a vigorous growth rate and produces showy trumpet-shaped flowers that are red on the outside and yellow inside, blooming from late spring to summer. The flowers give way to red berries that are less than 1 cm in both width and length, appearing from summer to fall, although they are inedible. The foliage of Trumpet Honeysuckle is somewhat evergreen, providing visual interest throughout the year.

Trumpet Honeysuckle is valued for its attractive, tubular flowers which are particularly appealing to hummingbirds and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens. It is also used for erosion control, as a ground cover, or for trellises and arbors in residential landscapes. This species is adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay or loam, and prefers acidic conditions with a pH around 6. While it can tolerate full sun to full shade, it flowers best in full sun. It is drought-tolerant once established and requires medium amounts of water with good drainage. Popular cultivars include ’Magnifica’, ’Sulphurea’, and ’Superba’, offering variations in flower color. However, due to its flammability, it is not recommended to plant Trumpet Honeysuckle close to residences.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Vine
  • Height: 3-20 feet
  • Width: 3-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Orange, Pink, Red
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Forest edges, open woodlands, and fence rows

Other Names

Common Names: Coral Honeysuckle , Everblooming Honeysuckle , Scarlet Honeysuckle , Trompeten-Geißblatt , Chèvrefeuille Toujours Vert , Vintergrön Kaprifol

Scientific Names: Lonicera sempervirens , Lonicera sempervirens var. hirsutula , Lonicera sempervirens var. minor , Lonicera virginiana , Caprifolium sempervirens , Lonicera magnevilleae , Lonicera speciosa , Alaternus sempervirens , Kantemon angustifolium , Lonicera angustifolia

GBIF Accepted Name: Lonicera sempervirens L.