How to Grow Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle

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Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle

Lonicera × brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet'

vine

Dropmore Scarlet is a hardy, deciduous to semi-evergreen climbing vine renowned for its brilliant scarlet-red tubular flowers that bloom prolifically throughout summer. This vigorous hybrid honeysuckle is cold-hardy and disease-resistant, making it an excellent choice for northern gardens and difficult growing conditions. It attracts hummingbirds and pollinators while providing dense foliage for screening and ornamental display.

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Example Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun to partial shade (6+ hours of direct sunlight produces best flowering)

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Water: Moderate watering during establishment and drought periods. Once established, quite drought-tolerant. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 1-2 times weekly in hot weather.

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Spacing: 24-36 inches from other plants; single specimen needs 3-4 feet for sprawl inches

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Days to maturity: Flowers appear in first or second season; full maturity and vigorous flowering at 2-3 years

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as nursery container; top of root ball level with soil surface

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil, adaptable to various soil conditions

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure for fertility Perlite or coarse sand if drainage is poor Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Exceptionally hardy in zones 2-8, thriving even in cold northern climates where many vines struggle

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

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Growth Stages

Establishment

4-6 months

Young vine developing initial shoots and root system. Leaves are small and growth appears slow.

Water regularly, provide sturdy support structure, apply mulch around base to retain moisture. Avoid heavy pruning first year.

Vegetative Growth

6-12 months

Vine rapidly produces long shoots with oval, opposite leaves. Twining stems quickly cover support structure.

Guide stems onto trellis or support as needed. Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer. Keep well-watered during establishment.

First Flowering

4-8 weeks (varies by season)

Terminal clusters of bright scarlet-red tubular flowers appear at branch tips. Flowers are 1.5-2 inches long.

Flowers attract hummingbirds. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excess leafy growth.

Peak Maturity

Sustained over years

Established vine produces abundant flowers from early summer through frost. Dense foliage provides excellent coverage. Small red-orange berries develop after flowers fade.

Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and maintain density. Remove dead or diseased wood. Apply slow-release fertilizer in spring.

Dormancy

3-5 months (depending on zone)

Foliage yellows and drops in fall (deciduous); vine appears bare. In milder zones, may retain some foliage.

Minimal watering needed. Do not prune during dormancy. Prepare support structure for winter if needed.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Clematis Climbing hydrangea Wisteria Russian sage Butterfly bush Coneflower Black-eyed Susan Daylily

Avoid planting near:

Japanese honeysuckle (invasive, similar needs but competitive) Other aggressive vines competing for same support Dense shade-casting trees that severely limit sunlight

Common Pests

Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
Increase humidity by misting foliage; spray with water or insecticidal soap. Severe infestations may require miticide.
Remove affected leaves; apply neem oil or spinosad if infestation is heavy. Prune and destroy infested shoots.
Ensure good air circulation by pruning; avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or baking soda spray (1 tbsp baking soda + 1 tbsp horticultural oil per gallon water).

Uses

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Hummingbird & Pollinator Magnet

Wildlife

The brilliant scarlet-red tubular flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds and attract butterflies and bees. The nectar-rich blooms provide essential food throughout the growing season. [source]

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Screen & Privacy Solution

Household

Fast-growing and vigorous, Dropmore Scarlet rapidly covers arbors, trellises, fences, and pergolas, creating living screens and privacy barriers while adding color. [source]

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Cut Flower Arrangements

Craft

The long-lasting scarlet blooms in clusters make attractive, vibrant additions to fresh floral arrangements and bouquets throughout summer. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Remedy

Medicinal

Honeysuckle flowers have been used in traditional medicine systems (particularly Chinese medicine) for anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]

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Edible Flowers & Nectar

Culinary

The sweet nectar can be carefully extracted from flowers for use in teas or as a natural sweetener. Flowers are occasionally used as edible garnishes in culinary applications. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Dropmore Scarlet is grown primarily for ornamental flowers and hummingbird attraction rather than harvest. However, red-orange berries develop after flowering and can be observed for wildlife food. Cut stems of flowers for fresh arrangements during peak bloom (summer to early fall). Deadhead faded flowers regularly to extend the blooming season.

Fun Facts

🌱 Dropmore Scarlet was bred specifically for extreme cold hardiness and can survive winters in USDA zone 2, making it one of the hardiest honeysuckle vines available for northern gardeners.
🌱 The 'Dropmore' series of plants (including this honeysuckle, crabapple, and other species) were developed in Dropmore, Manitoba, Canada, and represent decades of cold-hardy cultivar breeding.
🌱 A single mature vine can attract dozens of hummingbirds during peak bloom season, with some hummingbirds visiting the same flowers multiple times daily.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Hybrid Mulch Partial Shade Trellis

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