These days, when the topic of honeysuckle arises, it often evokes frustration due to the invasive nature of Lonicera japonica, commonly known as Japanese honeysuckle (right), which aggressively spreads through woodlands destroying habitat for native plants and wildlife.
Forget the overpowering scent of this weedy, invasive honeysuckle species. Native varieties offer a more delicate fragrance. Lonicera sempervirens, aka Coral Honeysuckle or Trumpet Honeysuckle and Lonicera ciliosa or orange honeysuckle are both ornamental and excellent choices for gardens for many other reasons!
What is Coral Honeysuckle?
Coral honeysuckle is native to much of the eastern U.S. and Canada and orange honeysuckle is native to the West, ensuring these vining plants are well-adapted to local conditions and support native wildlife. Their beautiful flowers attract pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees to feed on nectar, enriching the garden with vibrant color and activity. Moreover, native honeysuckle berries provide essential food for birds, and their leaves are the sole food source for the caterpillars of several butterflies and moths, adding to their wildlife-supporting credentials. With minimal maintenance requirements once established, native honeysuckles are easy-to-grow vines that add vertical interest to the garden, whether climbing trellises, fences, or arbors.
How to Avoid Invasive Honeysuckle
While native plants offer numerous benefits to both gardeners and wildlife, it is important to be aware of and avoid invasive species that can pose significant ecological threats. Invasive honeysuckle species, such as Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and Tartarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tartarica), can outcompete native plants, disrupt natural ecosystems, and reduce biodiversity. To ensure that your garden remains a haven for native wildlife and plants, follow these guidelines:
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Choose Native Varieties: When selecting honeysuckle plants for your garden, opt for native species that are indigenous to your region. Native honeysuckle species, such as coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) in the East and orange honeysuckle (Lonicera ciliosa) in the West, are well-suited to local environmental conditions and provide essential habitat for native wildlife.
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Research and Identify: Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of non-native invasive honeysuckle species and learn to distinguish them from native varieties. Pay attention to leaf shape, flower color, and growth habits, and consult reputable sources or local extension offices for guidance on species identification. Some species are vines and some are shrubs.
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Prevent Spread: If invasive honeysuckle species are present in your area, take proactive measures to prevent their spread. Remove and properly dispose of invasive plants in the trash, and avoid planting them in your garden or sharing them with others. Instead, focus on promoting the growth of native plants that support local ecosystems.
Meet Native Honeysuckles: Plant Info, Care & More
Coral honeysuckle and orange honeysuckle are both vigorous, twining native vines. Coral honeysuckle boasts clusters of tubular, coral-red flowers and orange honeysuckle as its common name suggests has orange flowers. Both bloom from spring into summer.
Wildlife Benefits of Native Honeysuckle
Native honeysuckles are a versatile and invaluable addition to any garden, offering beauty, biodiversity, and ecological benefits throughout the year. By planting native varieties and avoiding invasive non-native species, gardeners can create vibrant landscapes that support local wildlife and contribute to the health and resilience of our natural ecosystems.
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Food Source: The nectar-rich flowers of native honeysuckle provide a vital food source for hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and other nectar-feeding pollinators. Additionally, honeysuckle berries are an important food source for birds and small mammals.
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Cover and Nesting Spots: The dense foliage and tangled growth habit of native honeysuckle vines offer valuable hiding and nesting spots for birds and small animals. By planting native honeysuckle in your garden, you create a welcoming habitat for wildlife, encouraging biodiversity and ecological resilience.
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Pollinator Support: As a native nectar source, honeysuckle plays a crucial role in supporting pollinators such as bees and butterflies in addition to hummingbirds. They are also caterpillar hosts plants. By attracting these important pollinators to your garden, you promote the health and reproduction of native plant species, contributing to the overall stability of local ecosystems.
What wildlife are attracted to honeysuckle?
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Birds: Native honeysuckle is a favorite nectar source for hummingbirds, who are attracted to the vibrant red or orange flowers and long tubular shape, perfectly suited to their slender bills. Other birds relish the red berries honeysuckle flower produce after they are pollinated.
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Butterflies and Moths: Various butterfly species are drawn to the nectar-rich blooms of native honeysuckle. Coral honeysuckle is a caterpillar host plant for spring azure butterflies and snowberry clearwing moths and orange honeysuckle is a host plant for several moth species.
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Native Bees: Native bee species eagerly visit honeysuckle flowers in search of nectar and pollen. Both coral and orange honeysuckles are listed as a plants of special value to bumble bees.
Incorporating Native Honeysuckle into your Wildlife Garden
Sunlight 
: Native honeysuckles thrive in full sun to partial shade but tends to bloom more prolifically in full sun.
Soil: This vine can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loam, clay, and sandy soils.
Support: Both coral and orange honeysuckles are shrubby, climbing vines that are best planted next to a trellis, fence, or arbor to provide a sturdy support structure for the vine to climb. Ensure that the support is strong enough to accommodate the vine's vigorous growth.
How to Care for Native Honeysuckles
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Watering: Native coral honeysuckle has moderate water needs. Water newly planted vines regularly to establish a strong root system. Once established, water during dry spells, but avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
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Pruning: If necessary, prune native honeysuckles in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged growth and shape the vine. You can also prune lightly throughout the growing season to control its size and shape.
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Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as fallen leaves or bark chips, around the base of the vine to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and insulate the roots. Keep the mulch several inches away from the vine's stem to prevent rot. Fallen leaves will also act as fertilizer as they naturally compost at the root zone.
Additional Tips:
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Pollinator Attraction: To maximize pollinator attraction, consider planting native honeysuckle near other native flowering plants to create a pollinator-friendly habitat.
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Disease and Pest Resistance: Native honeysuckles are relatively resistant to pests and diseases which make them a great choice for sustainable gardening. However, keep an eye out for aphids, which can sometimes infest the foliage. Washing the vine with a strong stream of water can help dislodge aphids.