Orange Honeysuckle & Bees

Honeysuckle in bloom.

Orange honeysuckle, known also as Western trumpet honeysuckle and Lonicera ciliosa, is native to the Pacific Northwest. This flowering vine attracts bees and hummingbirds.

Flowers

Lonicera ciliosa has trumpet-shaped orange blooms in the springtime. The flowers have delicate hairs on the underside.

Climate

Orange honeysuckle grows predominantly in the Pacific Northwest but can survive temperature lows of zero degrees F.

Height

Orange honeysuckle vines may reach up to 15 feet tall. The vines are vigorous climbers and need the support of a trellis.

Bees

According to Rainy Side Gardeners, bees have developed an unusual system for taking honeysuckle nectar. Because their bodies are too large to get inside the bloom, they poke holes in the outside of the flower and take honeysuckle nectar without pollinating the blooms.

Benefits

Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to this plant. Orange honeysuckle is a hardy garden plant and can grow in either sun or shade.

References

• Dave's Garden: Lonicera ciliosa
• Rainy Side Gardeners: Lonicera ciliosa