Plant Profile: Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)


Figure 1. Tubular flowers of the coral honeysuckle.
Photo credit: Stan Shebs
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lonicera_sempervirens_close.jpg
 This post is one of a series from Botany professor Nisse Goldberg's students at Jacksonville University. Student authors: Krystal Dannenhoffer & Ashley Gustafson

“First year it sleeps, second it creeps, and then it leaps.” (FloridaGardner)


The coral honeysuckle is native to many parts of Florida and elsewhere in southeastern United States. It is widely planted and the vine grows best on trellises and fences and does well in slightly acidic soils and full sun.

Known for the bright, coral clusters of tubular flowers that bloom throughout the spring and summer, the coral honeysuckle is a definite eye-catcher. They attract all sorts of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. During late summer and the beginning of fall, berries are produced and eaten by songbirds.

The coral honeysuckle is not a high-maintenance plant. In fact, it is tolerant of drought and does not attract pests. The vines can grow more than 20 feet and therefore, may require some pruning. It takes the coral honeysuckle two years to develop a strong root system. After those first two years, flowers should be abundant. Then, you can enjoy the beautiful flowers and the animals that they attract.

Should you want one to grow your own, please visit the following site for vendors:
http://www.floridanativenurseries.org/plants/detail/lonicera-sempervirens

Bibliography
http://www.scotts.com/smg/learn/infoHowToArticle.jsp?detailId=16400044

http://floridagardener.com/FLNatives/Lonicera%20sempervirens.htm

http://www.briartech.com/latespring/coral/pcoral.htm


Comments

daisy g said…
Gorgeous! What a beneficial plant to have in the garden! I'll have to look for it at the next Spring Obsession event! Thanks for the information.
February 23, 2012 at 8:06 PM
Anonymous said…
Also see: http://www.fnps.org/smf2upg/index.php/topic,626.0.html
March 20, 2012 at 2:08 PM
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