vine

Mandarin Honeysuckle

The Story

Plant Bio

Hybrid honeysuckle vines are bred for specific traits like flower color, vigor, and disease resistance. They are typically deciduous, twining climbers that require support to grow vertically.

'Mandarin' is a spectacular hybrid known for its vibrant, two-toned flowers featuring brilliant mandarin-orange exteriors and yellow-orange interiors. The new foliage emerges with a coppery-bronze tint, adding another season of interest. Unlike many honeysuckles, it is not fragrant.

Uses & Benefits:

'Mandarin' provides a stunning, tropical-looking display with its brilliant orange flowers. The emerging bronze foliage adds multi-seasonal appeal, making it a showstopper on any trellis, fence, or arbor from spring through summer.

This fast-growing vine is perfect for quickly covering vertical spaces, providing screening, or adding a 'living wall' effect to the garden. Its twining habit makes it easy to train onto various structures.

The long, tubular flowers are perfectly shaped for hummingbird beaks, making this vine an exceptional food source for them. Planting 'Mandarin' is a sure way to attract these fascinating birds to your garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

240 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived vine

Native To

Garden origin (Hybrid)

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested.

Bloom period

Late spring – Mid-summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with at least 6 hours of sun for best flowering.
Provide a sturdy support structure for the vine to twine around.
Dig a hole twice the width of the container.
Set the plant in the hole, tilting it towards its support.
Backfill with soil and water deeply.
Gently tie the main stems to the support to get it started.

Pro Tip

For the best flowering, ensure the top of the vine is in full sun, while the roots are kept cool and shaded.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide a trellis, fence, or other support for it to climb.
Water regularly during the first year and in dry spells.
Prune after flowering to maintain a tidy shape and control size.
Mulch the base of the plant to keep roots cool.
Enjoy the hummingbird show!

Don't

Don't plant without a support structure, as it will become a tangled mound.
Avoid planting in waterlogged soil.
Don't expect a strong fragrance; this variety is grown for its color.
Don't prune heavily in spring, as this will remove flower buds.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Eye-catching floral display for trellises and arborsA magnet for hummingbirds in a wildlife gardenDramatic vertical element against a dark fence or wall

Companion Plants

Clematis 'Etoile Violette'Rosa 'Zephirine Drouhin'Heuchera 'Caramel'Geranium 'Rozanne'Allium 'Purple Sensation'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mandarin Honeysuckle questions

What zones can Mandarin Honeysuckle grow in?

Mandarin Honeysuckle is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Mandarin Honeysuckle deer resistant?

Yes — Mandarin Honeysuckle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Mandarin Honeysuckle bloom?

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

Does Mandarin Honeysuckle need full sun?

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