Resources < Wildlife Habitats < Guide to Native Plants of Georgia for Wildlife < Lonicera sempervirens

Coral Honeysuckle
Lonicera sempervirens

Want to festoon a sunny arbor, fence, trellis, porch rail, or mailbox with flowers? Then plant coral honeysuckle. This easygoing, drought-tolerant vine is loaded with red flowers in spring, and blooming continues on and off until frost. The flowers are a high-quality nectar source and a favorite of ruby-throated hummingbirds. Bluebirds, mockingbirds, cedar waxwings, evening grosbeaks, and gray catbirds feed on the shiny tomato-red berries in summer and fall. Coral honeysuckle is a host plant for the lovely violet-blue spring azure butterfly; keep an eye out for tiny pea-green eggs and brown-headed caterpillars.

Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family)

Description: Semi-evergreen woody vine with rounded blue-green leaves in an opposite arrangement. Red, tube-shaped flowers bloom heavily in spring and sporadically in summer and fall; orange-red berries are available in summer and fall.

Size: 15 to 25 feet high.

Habit: Twining.

Growth Rate: Fast.

Light: Full to part sun.

Planting and Care: Coral honeysuckle is tough, drought tolerant, and adaptable to a variety of habitat types. For best results, plant in moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil and lots of sun; provide support.

Ornamental Value: Assets include semi-evergreen leaves and a profusion of bright red flowers in spring.

Landscape Usage: A great choice for mailboxes, arbors, trellises, and fences. A must-have for the hummingbird garden!

Wildlife Benefits: Flowers attract ruby-throated hummingbirds; songbirds eat the berries. Host plant for spring azure.

Native Habitat: Found throughout Georgia in open woodlands and fencerows and along roadsides.

Propagation: Seed, cuttings.

Also known as Trumpet Honeysuckle

Written by Leslie Kimel, Georgia Wildlife Federation