Trumpet Honeysuckle

What you'll need:

Trumpet Honeysuckle seeds or young plants (you can find these at garden centers or online)

A pot or a sunny spot in your garden

Regular garden soil, preferably with some compost mixed in

Some mulch (this helps keep the soil moist and roots cool)

When to start:

Trumpet Honeysuckle loves warm weather, so spring is the best time to plant. If you're starting from seeds, you can begin indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost.

Choosing the right spot:

This plant thrives in full sun but can also handle partial shade. Find a location that gets at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. It’s also a climber, so if you’re planting it in the ground, make sure there’s a trellis, fence, or wall nearby for it to climb on.

Tip: If you live in a hot climate, some afternoon shade will help protect the plant during the hottest part of the day.

If you have seeds:

1. Start by soaking the seeds in water overnight to help them germinate faster.
2. Fill small pots with moist soil and place 1-2 seeds in each pot, covering them lightly with soil.
3. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and place the pots in a warm, bright spot.
4. Seeds should sprout in about 2-3 weeks.
5. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, they’re ready to be moved outside or into larger pots.

If you have young plants:

1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the plant.
2. Place the plant in the hole and fill it with soil, gently pressing down to secure it.
3. Water thoroughly after planting.

Planting tips:

• Space plants about 3-5 feet apart if you’re planting multiple honeysuckles.
• If you’re using a pot, make sure it’s large enough (at least 12 inches wide) and has drainage holes.
• After planting, add a layer of mulch around the base to keep the soil moist and cool.

Watering:

• Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• You might need to water every 2-3 days in hot weather, but always check the soil first—if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.

Feeding:

• Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring through early fall).
• Alternatively, you can mix compost into the soil around the plant every few months for a natural boost.

Support for climbing:

• If you planted near a trellis, fence, or wall, gently guide the vines towards the support as they grow.
• You can use soft ties or twine to help attach the stems to the structure.

Pruning:

• Prune in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or overgrown stems. This keeps the plant healthy and encourages more flowers.
• Don’t worry too much—Trumpet Honeysuckle is pretty hardy and can handle a good trim.

Tip: After flowering, you may see berries forming. These are great for birds but not for humans, so enjoy the view but don’t eat them!

What to expect:

Unlike vegetables or fruits, Trumpet Honeysuckle doesn’t produce anything you’ll “harvest” to eat. Instead, you’ll enjoy its beautiful flowers throughout the growing season!

When do flowers bloom?

• Blooms typically appear in late spring and continue through summer. The flowers are long and trumpet-shaped, often red or orange with a yellow interior, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.

After blooming:

• Once the flowers fade, small berries may form. These berries are important food for birds but aren’t edible for people.
• If you want to encourage more blooms, remove spent flowers (a process called deadheading).

Tip: To extend the blooming period, keep up with regular watering and fertilizing during the growing season.

Q: Why isn’t my Trumpet Honeysuckle blooming?

A: There could be a few reasons:

• Not enough sunlight: Make sure it’s getting at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight.
• Too much fertilizer: Over-fertilizing can lead to lots of leaves but fewer flowers. Stick to a balanced fertilizer applied sparingly.
• Needs pruning: Sometimes old growth needs to be trimmed back to encourage new flowering stems.

Q: Is Trumpet Honeysuckle invasive?

A: Unlike some other honeysuckle species, Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is not considered invasive and is safe to grow in most gardens.

Q: Can I grow it in a pot?

A: Yes! Just make sure the pot is large enough and has a trellis or support for the vines to climb. You may need to water more frequently since pots dry out faster.

Q: Do I need to worry about pests?

A: Trumpet Honeysuckle is pretty resistant to pests, but watch out for aphids. If you notice them, spray the plant with water or an insecticidal soap to get rid of them.

Q: How fast does it grow?

A: Once established, Trumpet Honeysuckle grows fairly quickly, especially if given plenty of sunlight and water. It can cover a trellis or fence within a single growing season.