Lonicera ciliosa

Common Names

Orange Honeysuckle, Western Honeysuckle, Western Trumpet Honeysuckle, Trumpet Honeysuckle, Honeysuckle

Summary

Lonicera ciliosa, commonly called orange honeysuckle or western trumpet honeysuckle, is a western North American native broadleaf deciduous vine that twines to climb, typically reaching 10–20 ft in height and 20–30 ft in width. Distinctive features include orange tubular flowers arranged in dense terminal clusters above a disk formed by the fused bases of the last pair of leaves, followed by orange-red translucent berries; the plant attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

In cultivation it prefers partial shade to sun with regular water and moist, well-drained soils; hardy in USDA zones 4–8; climbs by twining and can be trained on trellises, arbors, or walls; prune after flowering; drought-tolerant once established. Uses include wildlife-friendly plantings such as bird and butterfly gardens, and as a climber on walls or fences; fruits are ornamental and not commonly eaten.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

10-20 feet

Spread

8-13 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun to Partial Sun, Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil.

Soil pH

5.0-7.0, slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Orange

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green (green above with a whitish bloom below; some leaves blue-green to gray-green; lower surface glaucous).

Fall Foliage Color

No fall foliage color; evergreen.

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Medium rate

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Birds