Coral Honeysuckle

Coral Honeysuckle
Lonicera sempervirens

Coral Honeysuckle has many virtues: It is evergreen, providing a welcome bit of green in winter; it attracts butterflies; it is not aggressive like some vines; and it doesn't require much care. It is particularly well-suited for twining on fences or trellises. The native vine blooms with small, flute-shaped coral-red blooms off and on through the summer; some areas may get blooms beginning in January. Though not considered drought-tolerant, I haven't given mine extra water, and it seems happy enough. (You will need to water it to get blooms.) It is a nectar plant for butterflies, and it also is a host plant for Spring Azure butters. It has interesting leaves; the vine appears to grow right out of the middle of the leaf. Its as if the plant is performing a clever parlor trick.

Vine                 Sun                       Native

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Photo: Sally and Andy Wasowski/Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center