coral honeysuckle

Plant Type

Vine

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

10-20 ft. tall
3-6 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Dry Soil

Propagation

By seed, By cutting, By air-layering

Plant Propagation Notes

Cold moist stratify seed for 60-90 days. Cuttings can be made from softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer to fall.

Plant Planting Notes

Coral honeysuckle is a twining vine that requires some kind of support structure to grow on such as a trellis or fence.

Plants/Diseases

Coral honeysuckle may experience leaf spot or powdery mildew, especially in hot and humid weather. Aphids are occasional pests.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Nectar source for hummingbirds

Leaves

Leaves opposite, oblong to ovate with entire margins. Leaves that produce inflorescences are perfoliate (fused together).

Flowers

Spikes of tube-shaped flowers with bright red on the outside and bright yellow on the inside.

Fruit

Red berries turn to black when mature.

Bark

Older growth develops a light brown bark that exfoliates.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

Ethnobotanical Use

Leaves were dried and historically used for asthma, bee stings, and sore throats.

USDA Hardiness Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Forests and woodlands and maritime forests.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common throughout South Carolina.