How to Grow Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle
Wikimedia Commons
Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle
Lonicera × brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet'
vineDropmore Scarlet is a hardy, deciduous to semi-evergreen climbing honeysuckle vine prized for its brilliant scarlet-red tubular flowers that bloom prolifically from early summer through fall. This vigorous grower is extremely cold-hardy and disease-resistant, making it an excellent choice for northern gardens where many ornamental vines struggle. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, providing season-long color and wildlife value.
When should you plant Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle
Late summer into fallBefore 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
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-7; exceptionally hardy in cold climates
Sign up free to see if Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First yearYoung vine focuses on root development and initial vine structure with minimal flowering
Water consistently to establish roots. Install support structure immediately. Prune lightly to shape form. Protect from extreme wind.
Vegetative Growth
Year 2-3Vine produces vigorous new growth with leaves and multiple branches extending along support
Tie or train stems onto support structure. Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer. Remove any damaged or crossing branches.
Flowering
Early summer to first frost (June-October)Abundant tubular scarlet-red flowers appear in clusters along stem tips and leaf axils
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Maintain consistent moisture. Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen as it reduces flowers.
Fruiting
Mid-summer through fallSmall red berries develop where flowers were pollinated by hummingbirds and insects
Leave some berries for wildlife food and seed propagation. Berries attract birds for season-long interest.
Dormancy
November-FebruaryVine loses most or all leaves (semi-evergreen); growth essentially stops
Reduce watering significantly. Perform major pruning in late winter before growth resumes. No fertilizer needed.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
-
Increase humidity by misting foliage; use miticide if population becomes severe. Prune heavily infested shoots.
-
Hand-pick affected leaves; apply neem oil in early spring when larvae are young. Remove heavily infested branches.
-
Prune out infested branches; spray with horticultural oil in early spring before growth starts.
Uses
Hummingbird Magnet
WildlifeThe brilliant red tubular flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds, providing high-energy nectar from early summer through frost. The berries that follow serve as supplemental food for migrating birds. [source]
Living Screen & Privacy Hedge
HouseholdDropmore Scarlet's vigorous growth habit makes it ideal for covering arbors, pergolas, trellises, and fences to create natural privacy screens and shade structures. The dense foliage provides wind protection and noise buffering. [source]
Edible Flowers for Garnish
CulinaryThe scarlet flowers are edible and can be used as attractive garnishes for salads and desserts, though they have minimal flavor. They add ornamental value to culinary presentations. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftSprigs of Dropmore Scarlet with its bright red flowers last 7-10 days in water, making them excellent for fresh bouquets and floral designs. The tubular form adds textural interest to mixed arrangements. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalIn traditional medicine, honeysuckle species (including lonicera) have been used in teas to support respiratory health and reduce inflammation, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental vine grown for flowers and berries rather than harvest. Deadhead spent flower clusters to promote continuous blooming throughout summer and fall. Cut flowers for fresh arrangements by selecting stems with multiple open blooms in early morning.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Dropmore Scarlet was developed in Dropmore, Manitoba, Canada, as a hardy alternative to tender honeysuckle varieties, making it one of the coldest-hardy climbing honeysuckles available.
- 🌱 A single mature vine can produce hundreds of tubular flowers that bloom in succession throughout the season, with hummingbirds visiting individual flowers multiple times daily during peak bloom.
- 🌱 The berries produced by Dropmore Scarlet are toxic to humans but are a crucial food source for songbirds preparing for migration in fall and early winter.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle timeline →