vineN. America Native

Trumpet Honeysuckle

Lonicera sempervirens 'Cedar Lane'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lonicera sempervirens is a vigorous, woody, twining vine native to eastern North America that climbs by wrapping its stems around supports. The species produces narrow, tubular flowers in terminal whorls above pairs of opposite leaves that fuse together to encircle the stem.

'Cedar Lane' is distinguished by its intense vermillion-to-coral red flowers with contrasting yellow throats and its superior resistance to aphids compared to typical species seedlings. The foliage emerges with a distinct glaucous, bluish-green cast that remains attractive throughout the growing season.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProduces a long-lasting display of bright coral-red tubular flowers followed by decorative red berries in fall.
Practical UsesServes as an effective, non-invasive vertical screen or a dense ground cover to control soil erosion on slopes.
Ecological BenefitsActs as a critical nectar source for hummingbirds, native bees, and butterflies, while the fall berries feed songbirds.
SpeciesLonicera sempervirensTrumpet Honeysuckle

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

180"

Width

72"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Fall

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
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S
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In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Install a sturdy trellis, arbor, or wire support system before planting to accommodate the twining growth habit.
  2. Plant in a location receiving full sun to maximize flower production, though light afternoon shade is tolerated.
  3. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and backfill with soil amended with organic compost to ensure good drainage.
  4. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after the main spring flowering flush; cutting back late in the season removes the old wood where the next year's flower buds form.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide a strong support structure early to guide the twining stems.
  • Mulch the root zone to retain moisture and keep soil temperatures cool.
  • Prune immediately after the primary spring bloom to shape the vine.

Don't

  • Do not prune heavily in late summer or winter, as this removes next spring's flower buds.
  • Do not plant in low-lying areas prone to standing water or poor drainage.
  • Do not over-fertilize with high-nitrogen products, which stimulates weak vegetative growth at the expense of flowers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Trellises and ArborsFencesGround CoverWildlife Gardens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Trumpet Honeysuckle questions

What zones can Trumpet Honeysuckle grow in?

Trumpet Honeysuckle is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Trumpet Honeysuckle deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Trumpet Honeysuckle, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Trumpet Honeysuckle bloom?

Trumpet Honeysuckle typically blooms in late spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Trumpet Honeysuckle need full sun?

Trumpet Honeysuckle does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Trumpet Honeysuckle drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Trumpet Honeysuckle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Trumpet Honeysuckle with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.