Major Wheeler Trumpet Honeysuckle

Lonicera sempervirens 'Major Wheeler'

flower

Major Wheeler is the best red trumpet honeysuckle, a well-behaved native vine that delivers the romance of honeysuckle without the thuggery of the invasive Japanese kind. It is a twining deciduous to semi-evergreen vine that climbs ten to twenty feet, and from late spring through summer it carries dense clusters of brilliant, coral-red, tubular flowers at the branch tips - a famous magnet for ruby-throated hummingbirds, which it is perfectly shaped to feed. Native to the eastern United States, it is non-aggressive, mildew-resistant, and easy, and small red berries follow the flowers for the birds. Grown on a trellis, arbor, fence, or mailbox post, it offers months of hummingbird-filled color with none of the invasive worries of its Asian cousin.

✅ Plant alongside

Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests

• Climbing Rose — Shares an arbor or trellis, the two weaving together for a long succession of bloom
• Clematis — A lighter vine that threads through the same support and flowers alongside it
• Bee Balm — A hummingbird favorite planted at the base, doubling the nectar draw in the same sunny spot

🛡️ Pest & disease prevention

Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide

• Aphids →

  The main honeysuckle pest, clustering on tender new shoots and buds - rinse off with water and encourage ladybugs, which usually keep them in check

• Powdery mildew →

  A white film in humid or shady spots - this native species resists it far better than Japanese honeysuckle; give full sun and airflow

• Leaf spot →

  Minor fungal spotting in wet weather - give airflow and clear fallen leaves

• Spider mites →

  Stipple leaves in hot dry spells - rinse the foliage and keep the vine from drought stress

🌸 Blooms & cutting

Trumpet honeysuckle makes a charming cut flower - snip the red flower clusters in the cool morning as they open for an informal arrangement. The vine is low maintenance: shape it in late winter or early spring, and shear it lightly after the first big bloom to spur the repeat flowering that carries through summer. Leave some of the small red berries that follow the flowers for the birds. Site it where you can watch the hummingbirds, which work the tubular flowers all season.

🥗 Nutrition & benefits

A native flowering vine of outstanding wildlife value - the long succession of red tubular flowers is a premier nectar source for ruby-throated hummingbirds and is also a larval host for several native moths and butterflies, while the berries feed songbirds. Grown for ornament and wildlife; the berries are mildly toxic to people if eaten.

⚠️ Toxicity & safety

The red berries of trumpet honeysuckle are considered mildly toxic if eaten in quantity by people and pets, possibly causing stomach upset. The flowers and foliage are not a concern, and unlike some honeysuckles it is grown without worry as an ornamental - just do not let children or pets eat the berries.