Lonicera sempervirens aka Coral Honeysuckle

Lonicera sempervirens is known as coral or trumpet honeysuckle. This woody vine belongs to the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. It grows wild in the central and eastern United States. Its range includes Connecticut, Florida, and Texas. The vine keeps its leaves through warm southern winters. In colder places, it sheds them without much fall color.

Its stems twist around supports as the plant climbs. Garden vines reach 10–20 feet [3–6.1 m], depending on support. RHS gives a smaller range of 8–13 feet [2.5–4 m]. Its listed spread is about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 m]. Growth is fast, so the plant needs room and training. Young bark is green, smooth, and slightly fuzzy. Older bark turns brown and flakes off. Thin new stems may have a red or purple tint. The simple, oval leaves grow in opposite pairs. Their blue-green blades feel leathery and have smooth edges. The top leaf pairs join around the stem beneath flowers.

The long, tube-shaped flowers have orange-red outsides and yellow centers. They reach about 0.16 feet [0.05 m] in length. The blooms have no scent, but hummingbirds visit and pollinate them. Butterflies also visit the plant. Main bloom falls in May and June in some gardens. In Florida, flowers start in April and continue through summer. Elsewhere, scattered blooms can follow the spring flush. Small red berries ripen around September and attract birds.

Give this vine moist soil that drains well. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and a broad pH range. Avoid dry sand, though it tolerates some drought. Sun gives the best bloom; the plant also accepts partial shade. Sources place it in USDA zones 4–9, extending to 10a in Florida. UConn also notes survival in warmer parts of zone 3. RHS rates it H5 for British gardens. Use a fence, arbor, or trellis to support its stems. Without support, it can spread across a bank as ground cover. Prune after bloom, and avoid excess nitrogen, which favors leaves over flowers.

This is an easy-care vine, but it can spread strongly. Aphids, leaf rollers, leaf miners, and other pests may occur. Powdery mildew and leaf spots can mark the foliage. Serious pest or disease damage is not usual. Its high fire risk makes it unsuitable close to homes. No edible uses are recorded, and people and pets should not eat the berries. Sources record folk uses for asthma, coughs, and stings. These records do not establish safe or effective treatment.