Lonicera sempervirens, Coral Honeysuckle

Beginning in April, Lonicera sempervirens produces beautiful clusters of tubular red flowers. These flowers provide a good source of nectar for hummingbirds as they return to our area in the spring and begin nesting.

This native vine has woody stems that climb by twining around their supports. It is a good choice to quickly cover fences, lampposts, or trellises.

Coral honeysuckle grows and flowers best in full sun, but will grow in partial shade. Once the plant is established, it is drought tolerant.

It is a great native alternative to invasive exotics such as Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Porcelainberry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) and Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis).

Propagation

Softwood cuttings root easily. Stem sections may also be layered where they touch the ground. The seeds require stratification for at least 2 months at 40 degrees F.

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