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| Trumpet Honeysuckle |
Looking to charm the bees, butterflies and hummingbirds? Honeysuckle is perfect for you. With its sweet scent, vibrant blooms and easy-going nature Honeysuckle is a garden favorite. There are about 180 identified species that are characterized by long, trumpet-shaped flowers in bright red, orange and yellow colors, most with yellow centers.
Native Honeysuckles are an essential food source for many Lepidoptera species. In addition to providing nectar and pollen, the plants are critical larval hosts for species like the Snowberry Clear Wing Moth, which mimics the look of a giant bumble bee.
Two popular varieties are the Trumpet Honeysuckle and the Heaven Scent Honeysuckle. Beware of the invasive Japanese Honeysuckle.
The 'Trumpet Honeysuckle' (Sempervirens) or 'Coral' Honeysuckle is known for its brilliant red to orange trumpet flowers that bloom profusely from Spring into Summer. The foliage is bluish-green and slightly leathery. This plant is not only decorative but also non-invasive, making it a favorite among native plant growers. However, it is non-fragrant, sadly!!
The 'Heaven Scent' Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum is a deciduous vine loved for its highly fragrant, creamy pink and yellow flowers that open in midsummer and continue through early Fall. Its blooms are very fragrant in the evening making it an interesting addition near patios or walkways. The green foliage provides a dense backdrop, and red berries may follow the flowers. It also serves as a host plant for the larvae of the Admiral butterfly and the Twenty-Plume moth.
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| Goldflame Honeysuckle |
Honeysuckles are susceptible to powdery mildew, aphids, scale insects and caterpillars. Honeysuckle aphids are small grey-green colored. They feed on new growth, causing leaves to curl and twigs to form stunted “witch’s brooms” (clustered deformed twigs). They are particularly damaging to Tatarian Honeysuckle.
Aphids are often managed by natural predators, but if they return yearly, apply insecticidal soap. Pruning and on occasion, chemical intervention may be required to save the plant.
Honeysuckles will grow in light shade and full sun. You are likely to get more blooms if you plant in a location with 6 hours of sunshine per day and most varieties are hardy to USDA Zones 4-9.
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