Lonicera sempervirens ‘Major Wheeler’
Overview
Uses: pergolas, trellises, arbors, fences, railings, native plantings, pollinator gardens
Benefits: exceptionally vigorous growth, long bloom period, coral red flowers with golden accents, highly attractive to hummingbirds and pollinators, strong disease resistance, adaptable growth habit
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Mature Height: 6–8 ft.
Mature Width: 4–8 ft.
Bloom Season: Late spring through summer
Growth Rate: Fast
Summary
Bright coral red flowers with golden highlights bring movement, fragrance, and wildlife activity to vertical spaces.
Lonicera sempervirens ‘Major Wheeler’ is a native coral honeysuckle known for its vigorous growth, long bloom season, and non-invasive habit. In favorable conditions, it can reach mature size quickly while maintaining a refined, manageable structure.
This honeysuckle naturally climbs when provided support, but it is equally attractive when allowed to sprawl or cascade over walls and large containers. With light training and pruning, it can even be maintained in a more shrub-like form.
The foliage is deep green with a subtle blue cast and is considered semi-evergreen. In warmer regions, leaves may persist year-round, while colder climates typically see winter dieback followed by strong spring regrowth.
‘Major Wheeler’ is especially valued for its ability to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, making it an excellent choice for pollinator-focused landscapes.
Care
Honeysuckle Vine ‘Major Wheeler’ Care
Plant in full sun for the strongest growth and most abundant flowering. Partial sun is tolerated, though flowering may be reduced in lower light conditions.
Well-drained soil is important, especially during establishment. Water regularly after planting and maintain lightly moist soil until the plant is well rooted. Once established, ‘Major Wheeler’ shows good drought tolerance.
Light fertilization can support healthy growth, particularly in poorer soils. Applying a
slow release fertilizer
in spring is sufficient for most gardens.
Prune in late fall or early spring to remove dead or congested growth and maintain shape. This variety blooms on both old and new wood, so avoid heavy pruning that could reduce flowering.
Spacing plants approximately 3 ft. apart allows for good airflow and balanced growth.
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. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please
contact us.
How Large Does Honeysuckle Vine ‘Major Wheeler’ Grow?
At maturity, this honeysuckle typically reaches 6–8 ft. tall with a spread of 4–8 ft., depending on growing conditions and support.
Additional Information
Is ‘Major Wheeler’ honeysuckle native?
Yes. Lonicera sempervirens is native to North America and is widely regarded as a non-invasive alternative to aggressive exotic honeysuckles.
Does this honeysuckle attract wildlife?
The tubular red flowers are especially attractive to hummingbirds, along with butterflies and native pollinators throughout the bloom season.
Can ‘Major Wheeler’ be grown without a trellis?
Yes. While it readily climbs when support is available, this honeysuckle can also be allowed to sprawl, cascade over walls, or be lightly trained into a more compact form.
