Lonicera sempervirens

Product Info

Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Honeysuckle Family

Coral Honeysuckle is a dense, woody, semi-evergreen vine that is a favorite of hummingbirds. In peak bloom, mature vines are covered in hundreds or coral pink, tubular blooms with bright yellow throats. Leaves are an attractive blue-green color, with new growth having strong purple hues.  It is a favorite host plant of the Snowberry Clearwing moth–caterpillars can often totally defoliate this plant in late summer at no harm to the vine. Bright red fruits replace the flowers, and are a favorite of birds. A coral honeysuckle of different genetics is needed for significant fruit production. Best flowering occurs in full sun, but plants are also very shade tolerant. Vines look best when given support for climbing, but they can be left to ramble  over rock walls or through taller plants. Leaves are prone to powdery mildew if stressed, particular if soil is very dry.

Blooms: Pink, yellow, 2-3 months, Apr-June
Leaves: Blue-Green, semi-evergreen, new growth has strong purple tones
Height:10-20’ 
Space: 3-6’
Soil: Average-Moist
Exposure:  Full sun-Part sun-Part shade
Fauna: Hummingbirds, bees, moths, butterfly & moth host plant, fruit for birds
Deer Resistance: Medium
Zone: 5-9
Seeds: Bright red berries produced in late summer/early fall
Native Status: NC native, common in the Piedmont and Sandhills, rare in the Mountains
Provenance: NC, seed grown