How to Grow Scarlet Trumpet Honeysuckle
Scarlet Trumpet Honeysuckle
Lonicera sempervirens
vineScarlet trumpet honeysuckle is a vigorous, semi-evergreen to deciduous vine native to the southeastern United States, prized for its brilliant red tubular flowers that bloom in late spring through summer. The flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and provide nectar throughout the growing season. It grows quickly and can cover trellises, arbors, and fences with attractive foliage and showy blooms.
When should you plant Scarlet Trumpet Honeysuckle in your zone?
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Example Scarlet Trumpet Honeysuckle timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Scarlet Trumpet Honeysuckle
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Scarlet Trumpet Honeysuckle
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 4-9, with best performance in zones 5-8
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Get my Scarlet Trumpet Honeysuckle timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 6-8 weeksYoung vine with sparse foliage, focus on root development
Water regularly, mulch around base, provide sturdy support structure, avoid fertilizing heavily to encourage root rather than leaf growth
Vegetative Growth
Weeks 8-16Vigorous shoot development with increasing foliage coverage, twining stems reach upward and outward
Guide vines toward support structure, remove competing weeds, maintain consistent moisture, light pruning to encourage branching
Pre-flowering
Late spring (April-May in northern zones, March-April in southern)Vine reaches adequate size and maturity with dense foliage; flower buds begin forming at stem tips
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage flowering, maintain moisture, do not prune heavily during this phase
Flowering
May-August (varies by zone)Brilliant scarlet-red tubular flowers appear in clusters, followed by secondary bloom flushes throughout summer
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming, maintain consistent watering, avoid pest infestations, monitor for disease
Fruiting & Dormancy
August-NovemberFlowers fade, small red berries develop and attract birds; foliage may turn yellow or drop in fall in deciduous forms
Allow berries to mature for wildlife food, reduce watering, light pruning to shape if needed, clean up debris in fall
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for severe infestations; introduce ladybugs
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Increase humidity by misting, spray with neem oil, use miticide if needed; encourage beneficial predatory mites
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Prune out heavily infested branches; apply horticultural oil spray in dormant season; monitor regularly
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Hand-pick infested leaves if noticed early; prune affected growth; use spinosad spray if widespread
Uses
Hummingbird Attractant
WildlifeScarlet trumpet honeysuckle is exceptionally attractive to ruby-throated hummingbirds and other pollinators. The tubular flowers perfectly match hummingbird bill length and provide abundant nectar throughout the blooming season. [source]
Flower Nectar & Edible Flowers
CulinaryThe flowers contain sweet nectar that can be extracted fresh or used as a natural sweetener. Petals and flowers can be candied or added to salads for ornamental and subtle sweet flavor. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalHoneysuckle flowers have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and folk herbalism for anti-inflammatory and cooling properties. Modern herbal practitioners use honeysuckle flower tea for supporting respiratory and immune health. [source]
Ornamental Coverage & Shade
HouseholdIdeal for covering unsightly structures, creating living walls, or providing shade on pergolas and arbors. Dense foliage and colorful flowers add significant aesthetic value to landscapes. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
CraftLong stems of scarlet trumpet honeysuckle flowers make striking cut flower arrangements with excellent vase life. Dried flowers retain color and can be used in dried arrangements and crafts. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
This ornamental vine is not harvested for food, but flowers can be enjoyed fresh or dried for arrangements. Collect flowers in early morning after dew dries but before heat of day. The nectar can be carefully extracted from individual flowers by pinching the base and drawing it out slowly. Allow red berries to fully ripen in late summer if you want birds to feed on them; do not harvest berries as they can be mildly toxic to humans in quantity.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Scarlet trumpet honeysuckle is native to the southeastern United States and is the only native honeysuckle species commonly grown in ornamental gardens, making it an excellent choice for supporting native wildlife and pollinators.
- 🌱 The flowers are specifically adapted for hummingbird pollination with their tubular shape, bright scarlet color, and high nectar production—they open during the day when hummingbirds are most active and close at night.
- 🌱 Unlike its invasive Asian cousin (Japanese honeysuckle), scarlet trumpet honeysuckle is non-invasive, stays within bounds, and is excellent for native plant landscapes and pollinator gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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