How to Grow Scarlet Honeysuckle
Scarlet Honeysuckle
Lonicera sempervirens
vineScarlet honeysuckle is a vigorous evergreen to semi-evergreen woody vine native to southeastern North America, prized for its tubular scarlet-red flowers that bloom spring through summer. The plant attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators while providing ornamental foliage and berries. It grows rapidly and can cover trellises, arbors, and fences with ease.
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Example Scarlet Honeysuckle timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Scarlet Honeysuckle
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Scarlet Honeysuckle
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 4-9, with best performance in zones 5-8
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Establishment
First 3-4 weeks after plantingYoung vine with tender new growth and developing root system. Leaves are small and vine growth is minimal.
Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide sturdy support structure. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate temperature. Avoid fertilizing heavily.
Vegetative Growth
Weeks 4-16 after planting; ongoing in subsequent yearsVine grows vigorously with rapidly lengthening stems and increasing leaf coverage. No flowers yet, or minimal flowering.
Guide vine along trellis or support structure. Maintain consistent moisture. Begin light pruning to shape and encourage branching. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring.
Flowering
April-July (peak); may continue into early fallBright scarlet-red tubular flowers appear at branch tips and leaf axils. Flowers are typically clustered and highly attractive to hummingbirds.
Continue regular watering during bloom. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering over foliage.
Fruiting & Maturation
Late summer through fall (August-October)Small red to orange berries form following pollination and flowering. Vine reaches substantial size and coverage.
Allow some flowers to develop into berries for wildlife food and ornamental appeal. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood. Continue regular maintenance watering.
Dormancy & Evergreen Rest
November-MarchVine slows growth in winter. Evergreen types retain foliage; semi-evergreen types may drop some or all leaves depending on climate.
Minimal watering needed in cooler regions. In zones 4-5, provide winter protection for above-ground growth. Prune out dead or diseased wood in late winter before spring growth begins.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Prune out heavily infested branches. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil in late spring when larvae are visible. Maintain plant vigor through proper care.
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Spray strong stream of water to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Increase humidity by misting. Spray with miticide or neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves. Ensure adequate watering.
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Prune out heavily infested stems. Apply horticultural oil spray in late winter or early spring before growth begins. Monitor regularly.
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Improve air circulation through pruning. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide spray. Avoid overhead watering. Remove and discard affected leaves.
Uses
Hummingbird Attraction
WildlifeThe bright scarlet-red tubular flowers are highly attractive to ruby-throated hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds. The abundant bloom period provides essential nectar sources from spring through summer. [source]
Ornamental Screening & Landscaping
HouseholdVigorous growth habit makes it ideal for covering trellises, arbors, pergolas, and unsightly fences. Provides seasonal color and year-round screening in many climates. [source]
Flower Arrangements & Botanical Display
CraftScarlet blooms are attractive for fresh flower arrangements and botanical displays. Long-lasting flowers when properly conditioned. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalHoneysuckle flowers have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and folk remedies for their potential anti-inflammatory and cooling properties. Modern herbalism occasionally incorporates honeysuckle for wellness teas, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Floral Garnish & Nectar Sipping
CulinaryThe flowers produce a sweet nectar that can be extracted and consumed directly or used as a delicate floral garnish for desserts and beverages. Some specialty culinary uses employ honeysuckle for infusions. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Scarlet honeysuckle is primarily ornamental and not typically harvested for consumption. However, flowers can be picked for fresh arrangements when fully open and at peak color (spring-summer). Berries may be harvested for wildlife viewing but are not edible to humans. Prune stems for propagation in early summer using soft-wood cuttings or in late fall using hardwood cuttings.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Scarlet honeysuckle is native to the southeastern United States and is the state wildflower of North Carolina, celebrating its beauty and ecological importance.
- 🌱 Unlike the invasive Japanese honeysuckle, scarlet honeysuckle is non-invasive and native to North America, making it an excellent choice for native plant gardens and wildlife restoration projects.
- 🌱 The name 'honeysuckle' comes from the sweet nectar found within the tubular flowers, which has been enjoyed by humans and wildlife for centuries—children often extract and taste the nectar by gently removing the stamen.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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