Lonicera sempervirens ‘Major Wheeler’
Overview
Uses: trellises, arbors, pergolas, fences, railings, native plantings, pollinator gardens, cottage gardens
Benefits: abundant coral red tubular flowers with golden yellow interiors, exceptionally long bloom season, vigorous but manageable growth, strong resistance to common honeysuckle diseases, highly attractive to hummingbirds
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Life Cycle: Deciduous Vine
Growth Habit: Climbing, Twining — vine climbs by wrapping stems around support.
Bloom Color: Red and Yellow
Mature Height: 6–8 ft.
Mature Width: 4–8 ft.
Bloom Season: Late Spring to Summer
Growth Rate: Fast
Summary
Vivid coral red blooms and steady summer color make this native honeysuckle a standout for vertical spaces.
Lonicera sempervirens ‘Major Wheeler’ is a North American native coral honeysuckle selected for its heavy flowering and reliable garden performance. Unlike invasive exotic honeysuckles, this species maintains a refined, well-behaved structure while delivering an extended bloom display from late spring through summer.
The tubular flowers emerge in bright red with golden yellow interiors, drawing hummingbirds, butterflies, and native pollinators throughout the growing season. Deep green foliage provides a clean backdrop for the blooms and supports a lush appearance even between flushes of color.
Given a trellis, arbor, or fence, this vine quickly establishes and climbs with ease. It can also be allowed to sprawl naturally over low walls or trained with light pruning to maintain a controlled shape.
Care
Honeysuckle Vine ‘Major Wheeler’ Care
Plant in full sun for the strongest growth and most abundant flowering. Partial sun is tolerated, though bloom production may be lighter in reduced light.
Provide well-drained soil and consistent moisture during establishment. Water regularly after planting until roots are well developed. Once established, this honeysuckle demonstrates good drought tolerance in typical garden conditions.
In average garden soils, heavy feeding is not necessary. An application of
slow release fertilizer
in early spring supports healthy growth and flowering.
Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead wood and maintain structure. Light shaping after bloom can help guide growth without reducing future flowering.
Size
What Size is Honeysuckle Vine ‘Major Wheeler’ for Sale Online?
Plants ship in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and are appropriately sized for their container at the time of shipment. Plants are established and ready to continue growing once planted in the landscape. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please
contact us.
How Large Does Honeysuckle Vine ‘Major Wheeler’ Grow?
At maturity, this vine typically reaches 6–8 ft. in height with a spread of 4–8 ft., depending on growing conditions and available support structures.
Additional Information
Is ‘Major Wheeler’ honeysuckle native?
Yes. Lonicera sempervirens is native to North America and is widely planted as a non-invasive alternative to aggressive exotic honeysuckles. It is included in many
Native Plants of North America
gardens for its ecological value and reliable performance.
Does this honeysuckle attract wildlife?
The tubular red flowers are especially attractive to hummingbirds and also support butterflies and native pollinators throughout the bloom season. It is a strong addition to pollinator-focused landscapes and pairs well with other
Flowering Vines & Climbing Plants
in mixed vertical plantings.
What are some common names for this plant?
This plant is commonly known as coral honeysuckle or trumpet honeysuckle, both names referring to its tubular red blooms and climbing growth habit.
