Serotina Honeysuckle

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

10 - 12 Feet

Mature Spread

3-6 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

For a vigorous Lonicera, you will be hard-pressed to beat the Serotina Honeysuckle. Growing to around 10 to 20 feet tall, it is adorned in fragrant purple-red flowers with creamy yellow centers during the summer, before red berries appear for the fall. If that was not enough, it also produces dark green foliage with a white underside that provides great screening.

The Serotina Honeysuckle is a vigorous vine and is suitable for growing in zones 4 to 8. It generally grows pest and disease-free and is left alone by the deer. It requires minimal pruning and is considered low maintenance. This Lonicera is a superb choice for covering a wall, fence or pergola. 

Serotina Honeysuckle Care

Although the Serotina Honeysuckle will tolerate full sun, it is actually happiest in partial shade. Able to cope with most soils, it prefers fertile, free-draining, but moist soil. To help this climber establish, frequent watering is needed until it has formed a good root system. To help maintain plant health and vigor, you can feed Serotina with a slow-release balanced fertilizer in the spring. 

The Serotina Honeysuckle needs little ongoing care. After the flowers have faded, you can shape the vines by cutting above a pair of buds. Mulching annually with organic matter will help prevent moisture loss over the summer. 

Serotina Honeysuckle Spacing

Over time, the Serotina Honeysuckle can grow to 10 to 20 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide. Spacing this climber around 5 to 6 feet away from its neighbor will help provide good air circulation.