Conservation Specialist
copyright 2010
A honey of a honeysuckle: Lonicera sempervirens
Although frequently called Trumpet honeysuckle, this is not the aggressive Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans) that can be seen wildly running up telephone polls. It is also not either of the problem honeysuckles that have invaded St. Louis.
This is a GOOD vine with a slow to moderate growth rate and very long bloom cycle, She typically blooms from May to September and has pretty bluish green foliage. (I wish she grew faster!)
She typically grows 10-15' (less frequently to 20') and is showy. Her clusters of narrow tubular shaped flowers vary in color with each plant. Her most frequent color ranges from a peachy crimson blush to a rich mandarin orange with a warm butter gold throat. Occassionally, she can be found in a solid yellow form!
She is almost evergreen! (only if the winter is extra-extra mild). She does reliably hold her leaves till very late fall or early winter. She prefers full sun for best flowering but will tolerate some light shade. She also adapts to a wide range of soil including good old Missouri clay. She is fairly drought tolerant once established! Her formal name is Lonicera sempervirens, .Blanche Sandman 'Major Wheeler' and solid yellow 'John Clayton' are my favorite varieties! Regardless of the color, the flowers give way to the same small red berries which mature in early fall and are attractive to song birds.
Care factor rating: 2 (maybe only 1, she is so easy!) She bloom on the new shoots that develop off of last year’s growth. No pruning is necessary except for gentle shaping or to remove the occasional wayward or misdirected shoot. Prune to shape in very early spring just before or as her new growth is beginning. Removal of the occasional misdirected shoot can be done anytime.
The first brood of hummingbirds have fledged and are visiting my living hummingbird feeder now!
As promised here are a few of my favorite links:
Oma’s Barn- I will be there in the evening of August 4th for Lisa’s free monthly Bloom and Groom series http://www.omasbarn.com/ I have been showcasing her garden for several years-please join us!
Other blog resources:
Powell gardens blog (my dear friend Alan)
Natural Resources Conservation Services (good to know details)
http://www.rollingridgenursery.com/nursery.html (friends alwasy!)
Although frequently called Trumpet honeysuckle, this is not the aggressive Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans) that can be seen wildly running up telephone polls. It is also not either of the problem honeysuckles that have invaded St. Louis.
This is a GOOD vine with a slow to moderate growth rate and very long bloom cycle, She typically blooms from May to September and has pretty bluish green foliage. (I wish she grew faster!)
She typically grows 10-15' (less frequently to 20') and is showy. Her clusters of narrow tubular shaped flowers vary in color with each plant. Her most frequent color ranges from a peachy crimson blush to a rich mandarin orange with a warm butter gold throat. Occassionally, she can be found in a solid yellow form!
She is almost evergreen! (only if the winter is extra-extra mild). She does reliably hold her leaves till very late fall or early winter. She prefers full sun for best flowering but will tolerate some light shade. She also adapts to a wide range of soil including good old Missouri clay. She is fairly drought tolerant once established! Her formal name is Lonicera sempervirens, .Blanche Sandman 'Major Wheeler' and solid yellow 'John Clayton' are my favorite varieties! Regardless of the color, the flowers give way to the same small red berries which mature in early fall and are attractive to song birds.
Care factor rating: 2 (maybe only 1, she is so easy!) She bloom on the new shoots that develop off of last year’s growth. No pruning is necessary except for gentle shaping or to remove the occasional wayward or misdirected shoot. Prune to shape in very early spring just before or as her new growth is beginning. Removal of the occasional misdirected shoot can be done anytime.
The first brood of hummingbirds have fledged and are visiting my living hummingbird feeder now!
As promised here are a few of my favorite links:
Oma’s Barn- I will be there in the evening of August 4th for Lisa’s free monthly Bloom and Groom series http://www.omasbarn.com/ I have been showcasing her garden for several years-please join us!
Other blog resources:
Powell gardens blog (my dear friend Alan)
Natural Resources Conservation Services (good to know details)
http://www.rollingridgenursery.com/nursery.html (friends alwasy!)
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