Trumpet honeysuckle is native to North America, mostly in southern states. This vine is vigorous, but not aggressive like some species of honeysuckle. It produces clusters of bright red flowers in spring.
Size and Method of Climbing:
Trumpet honeysuckle can grow up to 15 feet long. It is a twining vine. Twining vines climb by twisting their stems or leaf stalks around a support. This type of vine grows well on trellises, arbors, wires or chain-link fences.
Native geographic location and habitat:
Native to North America, mostly in southern states. In Illinois, native to a few counties scattered throughout the state.
Leaf description:
The simple, opposite leaves have entire margins. Leaves near the end of the stem may be fused together to encircle the stem. No fall color. Leaves are semi-evergreen in southern climates.
Flower description:
Tubular red or red-orange flowers held in clusters and produced in late spring or early summer. Flowers mostly on old wood. Flowers are beautiful, but not fragrant.
Fruit description:
Fruit are bright red berries produced in fall.
Plant care:
Best growth for this vine occurs in full sun, but it can tolerate a lot of shade. Flowering may be reduced in heavy shade. Moist, well-drained soil is preferred. Best growth in slightly acid soils. Prune after flowering.
List of pests, diseases, and tolerances:
Aphids are a common pest. Tolerant of black walnut toxicity.
Alabama Crimson trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens ‘Alabama Crimson’):
Deep red flowers.
Cedar Lane trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens ‘Cedar Lane’)
Scarlet flowers; abundant flowers as this cultivar will rebloom on new wood; better resistance to aphids.
John Clayton trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens ‘John Clayton’):
Flowers are yellow instead of red; will produce flowers off and on through the season.
Major Wheeler trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens ‘Major Wheeler’):
Scarlet flower; this cultivar blooms heavily throughout the season.
Sulphurea trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens ‘Sulphurea’):
Yellow flowers.
