Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Lonicera sempervirens |
| Family Name: | Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle family) |
| Common Name(s): | Coral Honeysuckle, Trumpet Honeysuckle |
| Size: | Can grow up to 15-20 feet long |
| Plant Type: | Perennial vine |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Native to the southeastern United States |
| Native to: | Eastern and southern regions of the USA. It is a Florida Native plant. |
| Planted range in the USA: | Widely cultivated in gardens across the eastern and southern states, including Florida, Texas, and the Carolinas. |
| Conservation Status: | Not listed as threatened or endangered |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Best planted in early spring or fall |
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type: | Well-drained, humus-rich soil |
| Soil pH: | 6.0 to 8.5 (acidic, neutral - alkaline) |
| Water Requirements: | Moderate; regular watering to establish, then can tolerate some drought. |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Light feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. |
| Pruning Requirements: | Prune after flowering to shape and control growth. |
| Growth Rate: | Fast |
| Companion Planting: | Complements other climbers like climbing roses or clematis; also good with native shrubs and perennials for a naturalized look. |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | Moderate once established. |
| Frost Tolerance: | Good; can tolerate temperatures down to about -20°F (-29°C) |
| Heat Tolerance: | Excellent; can handle temperatures up to 100°F (38°C) |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate |
| Salt Tolerance: | Moderate; suitable for coastal areas away from direct salt spray. |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | 4-10 |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Small red berries |
| Harvest Time: | Not typically harvested; berries appear in late summer. |
| Fruit Description: | Attractive to birds but not generally considered edible for humans. |
| Edible Plant: | No, the berries are not recommended for human consumption. |
| Edible Parts: | N/A |
| Medicinal: | No known significant medicinal uses. |
| Flower Color: | Bright red or sometimes orange. |
| Flower Shape: | Tubular, trumpet-shaped |
| Fragrance: | Mildly fragrant, attracting pollinators |
| Flower Bloom Time: | Spring to early summer |
| Bloom Duration: | Continues for several weeks, often reblooming in mild climates. |
| Pollination: Self or Other? |
Self-pollinates, hummingbirds and butterflies, will aid in pollination. |
Wildlife
| Attracts: | Hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators are attracted to the vivid flowers. |
| Pollinators: | Hummingbirds and butterflies are key pollinators for Lonicera sempervirens. |
| Problematic Pest: | Generally pest-resistant; occasionally may attract aphids. |
Health and Safety
| Toxic: | No, Lonicera sempervirens is not toxic and is safe around children and pets. |
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | None |
| Toxic to Humans: | Not toxic |
| Toxic to Animals: | Non-toxic; safe for pets and wildlife |
| Plant Diseases to be aware of: | The most common diseases affecting the plants are bacterial leaf spot, powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, root rot, and rust fungus. |
Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera Sempervirens)
Imagine a cascade of vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers, radiating hues of deep coral, soft pink, and sunny yellow. This is the enchanting display offered by Lonicera sempervirens, commonly known as Coral Honeysuckle. A native gem of North America, this perennial vine brings a touch of wild beauty to any garden setting, making it a perfect choice for those new to gardening who want to create a visually stunning landscape with ease.
Coral Honeysuckle is celebrated not only for its eye-catching blooms but also for the charming way it climbs trellises, fences, and arbors, transforming them into living art pieces. The flowers, which bloom generously from spring through summer, are a favorite among hummingbirds and butterflies, adding a delightful element of wildlife watching to your garden experience. As the seasons change, these flowers give way to bright red berries that attract songbirds, extending the life of your garden's appeal into the colder months.
The allure of Coral Honeysuckle goes beyond its aesthetic contributions. Its presence in a garden brings a sense of enchantment and a connection to the natural world. Whether draped over a garden gate, climbing up a wall, or simply sprawling along the ground in a sun-drenched spot, this vine adds a layer of beauty that evolves and grows through the years. Its capacity to thrive with such grace and vibrancy makes it an inspiring choice for anyone looking to enrich their outdoor space with both color and life.
Companion Planting
For Lonicera sempervirens (Coral Honeysuckle), selecting the right companion plants can enhance the visual appeal and ecological balance of your garden. Here's a detailed guide on companion planting for Coral Honeysuckle, focusing on Florida Native and Florida Friendly plants, complete with their planting zone range, benefits, and uses:
Florida Native Plants:
Sabal palmetto (Cabbage Palm)
Zone Range: 8-11
Benefits: Provides a sturdy support for the climbing Coral Honeysuckle, enhancing vertical interest.
Use: Ideal as a backdrop where Coral Honeysuckle can climb, offering a naturalistic look.
Passiflora incarnata (Purple Passionflower)
Zone Range: 6-9
Benefits: Attracts similar pollinators and provides a contrasting flower shape and color.
Use: Co-plant along a fence line or trellis for a diverse and vibrant display.
Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan)
Zone Range: 3-10
Benefits: The bright yellow flowers contrast beautifully with the Coral Honeysuckle’s red blooms and attract additional beneficial insects.
Use: Plant at the base of the vine for a ground cover that complements the height and color of the vine.
Florida Friendly Plants:
Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar Periwinkle)
Zone Range: 9-11
Benefits: Drought-tolerant and blooms prolifically, offering a colorful underplanting to the vertical growth of Coral Honeysuckle.
Use: Great for edging along pathways or in front of where the Coral Honeysuckle is trained to climb.
Ipomoea batatas (Sweet Potato Vine)
Zone Range: 9-11
Benefits: Fast-growing and vibrant foliage provides a lush, textured contrast.
Use: Plant as a ground cover beneath Coral Honeysuckle for a layered garden effect.
Duranta erecta (Golden Dewdrop)
Zone Range: 9-11
Benefits: Offers attractive blooms and fruit that can complement the honeysuckle's aesthetics while attracting additional wildlife.
Use: Plant nearby to create a multi-height floral display that encourages biodiversity.
Tips for Successful Companion Planting
Lighting Considerations: Ensure that all companion plants thrive under similar light conditions to avoid competition and promote uniform growth.
Watering and Soil Needs: Group plants with similar water and soil preferences to facilitate care and ensure all plants are healthy.
Aesthetic Arrangement: Choose plants that offer contrasting textures, heights, and colors to maximize visual interest and create a dynamic garden landscape.
By carefully selecting companion plants for Coral Honeysuckle, you can create a garden that is not only beautiful but also a haven for wildlife, offering a variety of textures, colors, and forms. These companions help support a thriving garden ecosystem and make your gardening experience more enjoyable and successful.