Lonicera Species, Coral Honeysuckle, Trumpet Honeysuckle
Lonicera sempervirens
Family: | Caprifoliaceae (cap-ree-foh-lee-AY-see-ee) (Info) (cap-ree-foh-lee-AY-see-ee) (Info) |
Genus: | Lonicera (luh-NIS-er-a) (Info) |
Species: | sempervirens (sem-per-VY-renz) (Info) |
Synonym: | Periclymenum sempervirens |
Synonym: | Phenianthus semperivens |

Category:
Vines and Climbers
Water Requirements:
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Sun Exposure:
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage:
Evergreen
Foliage Color:
Medium Green
Height:
12-15 ft. (3.6-4.7 m)
Spacing:
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
Where to Grow:
Grow outdoors year-round in hardiness zone
Danger:
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color:
Red
Bright Yellow
Bloom Characteristics:
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Flowers are fragrant
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
From herbaceous stem cuttings
Seed Collecting:
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
Auburn, Alabama
Lowndesboro, Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
Saraland, Alabama
Anchorage, Alaska
Maricopa, Arizona
Mesa, Arizona
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Lamar, Arkansas
Malvern, Arkansas
Morrilton, Arkansas
Citrus Heights, California
Garden Grove, California
Merced, California
Sacramento, California
Whittier, California
Stamford, Connecticut
Wilmington, Delaware(2 reports)
Washington, District of Columbia
Alachua, Florida
Altamonte Springs, Florida
Apopka, Florida
Bartow, Florida
Bokeelia, Florida
Daytona Beach, Florida
Deltona, Florida
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Hampton, Florida
Hialeah, Florida
Jacksonville, Florida(2 reports)
Keystone Heights, Florida
Lady Lake, Florida
New Port Richey, Florida
Niceville, Florida
Ocala, Florida
Oldsmar, Florida
Orange City, Florida
Oviedo, Florida
Palm Bay, Florida
Palm Coast, Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Rockledge, Florida
Sarasota, Florida
Sebastian, Florida
Spring Hill, Florida
Wauchula, Florida
West Palm Beach, Florida
Winter Springs, Florida
Zephyrhills, Florida
Cornelia, Georgia
Decatur, Georgia
Lilburn, Georgia
Saint George, Georgia
Tennille, Georgia
Elmhurst, Illinois
Peoria, Illinois
Washington, Illinois
Barbourville, Kentucky
Benton, Kentucky
Louisville, Kentucky
Geismar, Louisiana
Lafayette, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
South Berwick, Maine
Centreville, Maryland
Crofton, Maryland
Easton, Maryland
Fallston, Maryland
Valley Lee, Maryland
Dearborn, Michigan
Franklin, Michigan
Carriere, Mississippi
Jackson, Mississippi
Marietta, Mississippi
Mathiston, Mississippi
Rogersville, Missouri
Hudson, New Hampshire
Bordentown, New Jersey
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Frenchtown, New Jersey
Maplewood, New Jersey
Roswell, New Mexico
Brooklyn, New York(2 reports)
Elba, New York
Great Neck, New York
Bayboro, North Carolina
Cary, North Carolina
Clayton, North Carolina
Columbus, North Carolina
Hatteras, North Carolina
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina
Winston Salem, North Carolina
Laurelville, Ohio
Enid, Oklahoma
Hulbert, Oklahoma
Florence, Oregon(2 reports)
Irrigon, Oregon
Homestead, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Whitehall, Pennsylvania
Hope Valley, Rhode Island
Beaufort, South Carolina
Bluffton, South Carolina
Conway, South Carolina
Hardeeville, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Islandton, South Carolina
Lexington, South Carolina
Orangeburg, South Carolina
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Amarillo, Texas
Arlington, Texas
Austin, Texas(4 reports)
Bellaire, Texas
Belton, Texas
Bryan, Texas
Bulverde, Texas
Conroe, Texas
De Leon, Texas
Denton, Texas
Dripping Springs, Texas
Floresville, Texas
Georgetown, Texas
Houston, Texas(2 reports)
Jacksonville, Texas
Kerrville, Texas
Liberty Hill, Texas
Plano, Texas
Port Neches, Texas
Rockwall, Texas
Royse City, Texas
San Antonio, Texas(2 reports)
Santa Fe, Texas
Shepherd, Texas
Spicewood, Texas
Tomball, Texas
Victoria, Texas
Wichita Falls, Texas
Wimberley, Texas
Clifton, Virginia
Leesburg, Virginia
Lynchburg, Virginia
Stafford, Virginia
Bellevue, Washington
Bremerton, Washington
Puyallup, Washington
show allGardeners' Notes:
Rating | Content |
---|---|
Positive | On May 7, 2018, GardenTexana from Rockwall, TX wrote: Beautiful native vine that is happy growing on a fence in my zone 8a heavy black clay. Very easy care, Requires little to no supplemental water once established here in North Texas. Well mannered, it stays where you plant it. Hummingbirds love it. It is evergreen here and blooms year round. |
Positive | On Jan 24, 2018, lightyellow from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL wrote: My favorite native Eastern US vine and one of my favorite vines for gardens in general. It's not too large size, semi-evergreen (evergreen in the south) foliage, hummingbird-attracting flowers, non-aggressiveness, and loose twining habit (easier to keep off surfaces you don't want it on) make it a winner. |
Positive | On Jun 17, 2017, WolfSpirit from Mingo Junction, OH wrote: The Major Wheeler version is what I have and it is just awesome. It took a couple years to really get going, then was troubled with aphids this spring, but after a peppermint oil/dish soap water spray that took care of them and it is recovering nicely to soon be a bounty of blooms for the hummingbirds. When new it also suffered from the hummingbird moth caterpillars eating the flowers but I haven't had that problem since. |
Positive | On Mar 24, 2015, coriaceous from ROSLINDALE, MA wrote: A wonderful, long-blooming twiner. Many cultivars have been selected, ranging in color from light yellow through orange to scarlet red. Here in Z6a it is deciduous and tolerates occasional drought. It blooms profusely, and repeat blooms into the fall. |
Positive | On Mar 24, 2015, LeslieT from Bellaire, TX wrote: Although I grew the species, it did not survive a hard freeze in my Houston-area garden. I subsequently planted L. sempervirens 'Alabama Crimson' and have had great success. This particular cultivar blooms off and on all year, with berries after the blooms. I like it much better than the species for its length of bloom. |
Positive | On Jul 16, 2014, NCMstGardener from Columbus, NC (Zone 7b) wrote: We enjoy both the species (coral) and the yellow 'John Clayton.' Alas the deer enjoy them as well and have browsed all of the lower foliage. Even with that they are nice additions to our garden and are well behaved unlike the invasive Lonicera japonica. |
Positive | On Jul 14, 2014, papa1 from Dearborn, MI (Zone 5b) wrote: I highly recommend this plant. It is the first plant to bloom in Spring and last one to bloom in Fall in my garden. It blooms continually. It only grows to about ten feet so it is good for a trellis. It does attract hummers. The only downside is that it has no perfume, but the advantages sure outweigh the disadvantages. |
Positive | On Jul 14, 2014, Krtka from Lynchburg, VA wrote: This is a lovely addition to your garden and will be a hummingbird magnet. Just provide some support for the vine to really showcase its beauty. Trumpet Honeysuckle is the "Wildflower of the Year 2014" here in Virginia. |
Positive | On Aug 20, 2011, CCPikie from Elmhurst, IL wrote: We don't get many hummingbirds around here, but I like to have a hummingbird plant blooming just in case. Lonicera sempervirens has at least a few flowers most of the time. The first bloom in spring is sensational. This year the spring bloom was damaged by lots of aphids. I sprayed but too late. It's a tough plant though, and came back well. It's very cold hardy and can handle hard pruning. I've grown mine on my ugly gas meter, which the vine hides well. After pruning, try putting cuttings into the ground with a little rooting powder., and water well. Worked for me. |
Positive | On Apr 30, 2011, zackeysmom from Macclenny, FL wrote: I have this plant growing on a trellis. I cut it almost to the ground in early spring and fertilized it. It is blooming the best it ever has! It is about 4 years old. |
Positive | On Dec 12, 2009, HummingbirdDude from Whitehall, PA wrote: Awesome Plant! If you buy this plant your guaranteed to get Hummingbirds sooner or later. It can either be grown as a climbing vine or as a bush. I have seen it both ways. Berries come in the fall and provide food to other types of birds. |
Positive | On Nov 30, 2009, wakemper93 from Irrigon, OR wrote: This plant is hardy once established. I have had this plant for 12 years now and it is doing just fine. Here in Irrigon, OR I had never seen a hummingbird until I planted this plant,now they are regular visitors. |
Neutral | On Nov 30, 2009, Oberon46 from (Mary) Anchorage, AK (Zone 4b) wrote: I have had this plant in my front hard, planted at the base of a metal bird house pole for several years. The moose have trimmed it for me a few times, but now I spray it with Plant Skyyd to keep them away. Problem is that while it is woody and mature, it really doesn't bloom much, and hardly gets any taller. I wanted it to grow up and over the bird house (15') but no luck. I see that it really doesn't care about PH, so what about fertilizer? I want this vine to be healthy and abundant, but am about ready to replace it with something else. Ideas? |
Positive | On Nov 30, 2009, NecrochildK from Lafayette, LA wrote: I noticed no one even commented on the tasty fun of this plant. Both the white/yellow honeysuckle as well as this one have a very sweet nectar inside. As kids and even still today here where I live, we'll pick the flower, bite off the very back end, spit it out and then suck the nectar out of the back of the flower. To this day I still wish there were a way to harvest it for a syrup, if only they made it in greater amounts, but that makes the little treat all the more something to savor and memories to cherish. |
Neutral | On Oct 26, 2009, jerry31557 from Patterson, GA wrote: I have looked everywhere for this vine and can not find it. I have had a friend send me some but it did not make it. I am looking for some cuttings of this vine. Please let me know if you can help. Thank.s |
Positive | On May 5, 2008, jqpublic from Cary, NC (Zone 7b) wrote: I love this native. 2 popped up on our chain-linked fence in the backyard. The first one showed up 2 years ago and a second has just sprouted this year...which means the little one won't bloom til next year. Since it is on the fence I hope the neighbors don't cut it down thinking it is an invasive vine! |
Positive | On Apr 23, 2007, WUVIE from Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a) wrote: This is one gorgeous honeysuckle! When in mass, it is |
Positive | On Apr 3, 2007, growth_is_good from Liberty Hill, TX wrote: Beautifully blooming this year. |
Positive | On Jan 30, 2006, raisedbedbob from Walkerton, VA (Zone 7a) wrote: I have trained 2 plants along a fence in nearly full sun. It blooms heavily in the spring and then sparsely the rest of the season. As Floridian noted, it provides a great stage for hummer viewing. In my experience, one must keep an eye out for aphids on new growth. |
Positive | On Jan 15, 2006, Gabrielle from (Zone 5a) wrote: My Mom got a start of this from her Grandmother over 30 years ago and we still have it! She knows it as Woodbine Vine. We have it outside our livingroom window, and get the privilege of watching birds build nests and raise their young in it. |
Positive | On May 14, 2005, CasieMom from Des Moines, IA (Zone 5a) wrote: Gorgeous plant: leaves are silvery-green, blossoms are coral with yellow center, fruit is red. Hummingbirds and butterflies adore these flowers. I have them in full sun, with a heavy pine-bark mulch to help compensate for the thin soil over limestone. The first 2 years, top growth was slow while roots grew. The 3rd year has been spectacular. This is the prettiest honeysuckle I've ever grown; I hope to always have at least one in my garden. |
Positive | On Aug 13, 2004, psychloman from Brooklyn, NY (Zone 7a) wrote: I have Lonicera sempervirens 'John Clayton' growing through my lilac bush. It blooms throughout the spring and summer after the lilac. I've had it for a few years and I just added three more; 'Sulphurea', 'Magnifica' and 'Cedar Lane'. This plant is definitely worth growing, it has no faults. It grows demurely, it flowers over a long period and is not at all invasive. It blooms most heavily in the spring and then intermittently thereafter. It adds color and interest to a big clump of lilac long after the lilac has finished blooming.It requires no special care or attention once it has been established. |
Positive | On May 30, 2004, springlover from Franklin, MI (Zone 6a) wrote: Here in Southern Michigan it is thriving! It stays evergreen all winter with no mulching and no care! |
Positive | On May 29, 2004, InDaDirt from Bordentown, NJ wrote: Unfortunately, I don't have a pic to share yet. Soon though. If this is the same plant, I picked it up last year under the name "Blanche Sandman". I've been growing it in a container for lack of space. Surprisingly, it's been thriving. The Hummingbirds love it. I was worried that the winter would damage it, but there was no reason to worry. It came through like a champ. |
Positive | On May 2, 2004, melody from Benton, KY (Zone 7a) wrote: Easy to grow and pretty much pest free. Coral Honeysuckle makes a great garden plant here in West KY. It grows quickly, and although it's not supposed to be evergreen this far North, my plant keeps leaves all through the winter. It starts blooming in mid March and will hang on till the first hard freeze...usually in mid November. Hummingbirds love it, and wrens will nest in it. Great for wildlife. |
Positive | On Apr 1, 2004, ladyannne from Merced, CA (Zone 9a) wrote: We are growing this on an south eastern fence where it is in almost complete shade but it is doing well, goes into bloom in late March. It is behaving like an evergreen in our zone 9. |
Positive | On Nov 29, 2002, FL_Gator from Dunnellon, FL (Zone 8b) wrote: I live on a dry sand hill, and this vine has been wonderful for me. The bloom season is very long. |
Neutral | On Sep 12, 2001, Floridian from Lutz, FL (Zone 9b) wrote: Red trumpet shaped flowers with yellow inside. Fruit are scarlet berries. This climbing vine is a favorite of the Ruby Throat Hummingbird. A native plant found in woods, thickets and roadside fences it flowers April through August. |