The Trumpet Honeysuckle Plant

Plant trumpet honeysuckle to attract hummingbirds.

The trumpet honeysuckle is known scientifically as Lonicera sempervirens. In the southern United States, this twining vine is an evergreen, but elsewhere in the country, it is a perennial.

Description

The trumpet honeysuckle is a vigorous climbing vine that produces 2-inch-long, trumpet-shaped crimson flowers. These flowers bloom from April through the end of the summer, and they are surrounded by smooth green leaves.

Cultivation

According to the University of Florida IFAS Extension, the trumpet honeysuckle does well on most soils with the exception of dry sand. The vine flowers well in direct sun, and it flowers less prolifically when grown in the shade.

Disadvantages

While it is not as prolific as the Japanese honeysuckle, the trumpet honeysuckle is still an aggressively spreading plant. If it is not trimmed back regularly, it can choke out surrounding plants by out-competing them for resources.

Hummingbird Attractor

According to Operation Rubythroat, the trumpet honeysuckle is attractive to hummingbirds. Despite not having much scent, the flowers especially draw ruby-throated hummingbirds.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Lonicera sempervirens
• Operation Rubythroat: Trumpet Honeysuckle