Hi Gardensong,

Thank you for your question. Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), also known as coral honeysuckle, is one of Maryland’s most valuable native flowering vines. Native throughout the state, it occurs naturally in a variety of habitats including roadside thickets, abandoned farm fields, near fences, in  open woodlands, dry rocky slopes, and cliff edges. This semi-evergreen to evergreen vine typically grows 10 to 20 feet tall and spreads 6 to 12 feet wide- so give it space to grow.  

Soil:

You asked specifically about soil- this is a very tolerant plant. Although it prefers well-drained, humus-rich, neutral to acidic soil it is does just fine in clay, loamy, or sandy soils and tolerates conditions ranging from moderately dry to moist and once established becomes even more tolerant of adverse conditions. Although it will grow in partial sun, you will get more flowering in full sun. The plant has a bright coral-red tubular flowers with yellow interiors, which appear intermittently from spring through fall. Red berries develop alongside the flowers and provide an additional ornamental feature and food for birds. It attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Planting:

Planting trumpet honeysuckle is fairly easy. A hole should be dug two to three times wider than the root ball, and the vine should be set so that the top of the root ball is level with, or slightly above, the surrounding soil surface. The crown should not be buried deeper than it was in the nursery container- so dig the depth accordingly. After planting, backfill with native soil, water thoroughly, and apply two inches of mulch flatly on the ground (not volcanoed) and avoid letting the mulch touch the stem- So leave a few inches around the stem mulch free.  Proper spacing is important as it will spread and you don't want it crowding out other plants.  Along a fence, arbor, or trellis, plants are generally spaced 6 to 8 feet apart. For a denser wild landscape, spacing of 4 to 6 feet apart. If you are planting it  around other native plantings, allow at least 5 or more  between trumpet honeysuckle and nearby shrubs or perennials plants to provide adequate room for growth. Over time it may spread up to 12 feet so place accordingly!  When planting near trees, a distance of at least 6 feet from the trunk is recommended.

Once established, trumpet honeysuckle is low-maintenance plant. Supplemental watering is important during the first growing season, making sure that the soil drains but does not become completely dried out, after which the vine becomes relatively drought tolerant. As it grows remove dead, damaged, or unwanted growth. Good air circulation and adequate sunlight help reduce problems with aphids and other pests.

I hope this information is helpful.

Best,

Christine