How to Grow Trumpet Honeysuckle
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Trumpet Honeysuckle
Lonicera sempervirens
vineTrumpet honeysuckle is a vigorous, semi-evergreen to deciduous woody vine native to the southeastern United States, prized for its tubular scarlet to orange-red flowers that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. It blooms prolifically from spring through summer and produces ornamental red berries in fall. This fast-growing vine is ideal for trellises, arbors, fences, and ground cover applications.
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Example Trumpet Honeysuckle timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Trumpet 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 Trumpet 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 zones 4-9, with best performance in zones 5-8
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Get my Trumpet Honeysuckle timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 4-6 weeks after plantingYoung vine is actively rooting and establishing. Foliage is emerging from transplant or newly germinated seedling.
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base, keeping it away from stem. Install sturdy support structure. Prune lightly to encourage bushiness.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeks in first season; ongoing through growing seasonVine grows rapidly, putting out numerous stems and glossy green leaves. Dense foliage develops along support structure.
Tie or guide stems along support as needed. Maintain consistent moisture. Reduce watering once established. Light pruning to direct growth. Fertilize monthly during growing season with balanced fertilizer.
Flowering
May through August, often with peak bloom in late spring to early summerSpectacular tubular flowers in shades of red, orange-red, or coral appear in clusters (verticillate whorls) at branch terminals. Flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Maintain adequate water, as flowering is energy-intensive. Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen, which reduces blooms. Enjoy the hummingbird activity!
Fruit Development & Maturation
August through NovemberAfter flowering, small red berries develop. Berries ripen and persist into fall and early winter, providing wildlife food.
Allow berries to remain for bird food and ornamental interest. Light pruning acceptable after flowering if needed. Begin reducing watering as temperatures cool.
Dormancy/Winter
December through FebruaryFoliage may drop (deciduous forms) or persist (semi-evergreen forms). Vine enters dormant period with reduced metabolic activity.
Cease fertilizing. Water minimally; only during prolonged drought. Perform major pruning in late winter before spring growth. Vines are cold-hardy and require no winter protection in hardiness zones.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, or apply horticultural oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
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Increase humidity and mist foliage. Apply miticide or horticultural oil spray. Prune heavily infested growth.
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Remove infested leaves. Apply neem oil or spinosad. Prune out severely damaged growth.
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Spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Introduce parasitic wasps. Vacuum adults from foliage if infestation is light.
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Improve air circulation with pruning. Apply sulfur or baking soda spray (1 tbsp per gallon water). Avoid wetting foliage. Remove affected growth.
Uses
Hummingbird & Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeTrumpet honeysuckle is a premier hummingbird plant, with its tubular scarlet flowers perfectly designed for hummingbird bills. The abundant nectar and extended bloom period from spring through summer make it an essential food source during migration and breeding season. [source]
Living Screen & Landscape Screening
HouseholdThe vigorous growth habit and dense foliage make trumpet honeysuckle ideal for creating privacy screens, softening hardscapes, and disguising unsightly structures when trained on trellises, fences, or arbors. Semi-evergreen foliage provides year-round coverage in warmer zones. [source]
Edible Nectar & Flower Garnish
CulinaryThe sweet nectar inside the tubular flowers can be carefully sipped directly from the bloom—a delightful summer treat. Flowers may also be used as elegant, delicate garnishes for desserts and beverages, though quantities are small. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalIn traditional herbal medicine, honeysuckle flowers have been used to prepare teas and infusions believed to support respiratory health and immune function. Lonicera species contain flavonoids and other bioactive compounds studied for potential health benefits. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
CraftIndividual stems of trumpet honeysuckle flowers are fragrant and striking in fresh floral arrangements, vases, and bouquets. The vibrant red-orange color and delicate form add visual interest to both formal and informal arrangements. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Trumpet honeysuckle is not harvested in the traditional sense. Cut individual stems of flowers for fresh arrangements (flowers are fragrant and hummingbird-attracting). The flowers can be enjoyed fresh on the vine throughout the blooming season. Berries are ornamental and attract wildlife; leave them for birds rather than harvesting. The tubular flowers can be carefully plucked and the small amount of nectar inside sipped (edible, though minimal quantity).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Trumpet honeysuckle is native to the southeastern United States and has been grown in gardens since the 1600s. It is also known as coral honeysuckle, red honeysuckle, or scarlet honeysuckle.
- 🌱 Unlike the invasive Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), trumpet honeysuckle is well-behaved, non-aggressive, and an excellent native choice for wildlife gardens and sustainable landscapes.
- 🌱 A single trumpet honeysuckle vine can live for 20-30 years or longer with proper care, providing decades of hummingbird habitat and seasonal beauty while requiring minimal maintenance once established.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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