Lonicera sempervirens Coral Honeysuckle

Lonicera sempervirens is a semi-evergreen, twining vine that produces clusters of 2" yellow-centered, red, trumpet-shaped blooms starting in mid-spring. Hummingbirds and bumble bees appreciate its flowers' nectar, while songbirds love the red berries that follow. Also known as Coral Honeysuckle, this perennial climber has woody stems with attractive papery, orange-brown exfoliating bark. Its paired, blue-green leaves are fused at the base. Lonicera sempervirens is native primarily to the Coastal Plains of the Southeastern United States from Texas to Florida into the mid-Atlantic, but it may also be found as far northward as Maine, Michigan and Iowa. Lonicera sempervirens prefers sun to light shade and moist soil. It will tolerate dry soil and drought, once established. Bloom is heaviest in full sun.