How to Grow Goldflame Honeysuckle

Goldflame Honeysuckle

Lonicera x heckrottii

vine

Goldflame honeysuckle is a semi-evergreen to deciduous climbing vine prized for its stunning tubular flowers that open red and fade to golden yellow. This hybrid honeysuckle produces fragrant blooms throughout the growing season and attracts hummingbirds and pollinators. It's an excellent choice for trellises, arbors, and garden screens.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight for best blooming

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Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 1-2 times weekly during growing season. More tolerant of drought once established, but flowers more prolifically with regular moisture.

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Spacing: 36-48 inches (plant spacing for multiple vines) inches

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Days to maturity: Flowers begin appearing in first year; reaches mature flowering by year 2-3

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; top of soil ball level with ground

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil; tolerates a range of soil types

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Aged bark mulch Perlite for heavy clay soils

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8

5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

Growth Stages

Establishment

4-8 weeks

Newly planted vine focuses on root development; minimal above-ground growth

Water regularly to establish deep roots. Mulch around base. Provide sturdy support structure. Avoid fertilizing heavily.

Vegetative Growth

Spring through early summer, months 1-4

Vigorous vine growth with developing stems and foliage, minimal flowering initially

Train stems onto support structure as they grow. Pinch back growing tips if needed to encourage branching. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly.

Flowering

June through first frost, 4-6 months

Production of red tubular flowers that age to golden yellow; flowers appear in terminal clusters

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Maintain consistent moisture. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive foliage at expense of flowers.

Fruit Development

Late summer through fall, 2-3 months

Small red berries form following pollination and flower fade; berries mature to dark blue-black

Allow some flowers to remain undeadheaded if you want berry production for wildlife. Berries provide food for birds late in season.

Dormancy

November through March, 4-5 months

Foliage declines and vine enters rest period; deciduous in colder zones, semi-evergreen in warmer areas

Prune out dead or damaged wood in late winter. Reduce watering. No fertilizer needed during dormancy.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Clematis Roses Lavender Russian sage Catmint Ornamental grasses Salvia

Avoid planting near:

Bindweed Morning glory Other aggressive vines that compete for space

Common Pests

Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavy infestations; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
Prune affected foliage; apply insecticidal soap; maintain plant vigor through proper care
Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticide if severe; ensure adequate moisture
Improve air circulation by pruning; avoid wetting foliage; apply sulfur dust or fungicide; water at base only
Prune heavily infested stems; use horticultural oil spray; encourage parasitic wasps

Uses

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Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements

Craft

The bi-colored tubular flowers are stunning in fresh arrangements and change color over several days, providing dynamic visual interest. The vining stems can also be incorporated into large sculptural arrangements or garland designs. [source]

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Hummingbird & Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

The tubular red flowers are perfectly shaped for hummingbird bills and the abundant nectar makes this vine a hummingbird magnet throughout the blooming season. It also supports bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. [source]

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Garden Structure & Screening

Household

The vigorous climbing habit and dense foliage make Goldflame honeysuckle ideal for covering trellises, arbors, pergolas, and fences. It provides attractive screening while requiring minimal structural load compared to heavier vines. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Uses

Medicinal

Honeysuckle flowers have been used in traditional herbal medicine and tea to support respiratory health and reduce inflammation. The flowers can be dried for tea preparation. [source]

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Bird Food - Berry Production

Wildlife

When flowers are allowed to set fruit, small blue-black berries develop that are consumed by songbirds in late summer and fall, supporting wildlife nutrition. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

Goldflame honeysuckle is not harvested for food. For ornamental purposes, cut flowers for arrangements when buds are just opening to red; flowers will continue to transition to gold in the vase. Prune vines in late winter to early spring for size management and rejuvenation; can cut back quite hard without harm.

Fun Facts

🌱 Goldflame honeysuckle is a hybrid cultivar resulting from a cross between Lonicera sempervirens and Lonicera tragophylla, combining the best traits of both parent species.
🌱 The flower's color change from red to golden yellow is not a bruising or damage—it's intentional! The color shift helps guide pollinators to the newest flowers with fresh nectar.
🌱 Despite being called a honeysuckle, the nectar is primarily consumed by hummingbirds in North America; in its native regions, it evolved with long-beaked birds and insects as primary pollinators.

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