Lonicera ciliosa

orange honeysuckle

Western trumpet honeysuckle

  • © Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks

  • © Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks

  • © Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks

Outstanding Qualities

The bright tangerine orange trumpets proclaim spring has arrived and the hummingbirds are irresistibly drawn to this Pacific Northwest native vine in mid-May. Quite unlike its relation, Japanese honeysuckle, which has become invasive in the Eastern U.S. and grows aggressively, orange honeysuckle is a kinder, gentler vine that clambers lightly over shrubs. Reddish orange berries shine in late summer to early fall.

Quick Facts

Plant Type: vine

Foliage Type: deciduous

Plant Height (10-year): 20 ft. 0 in. (6.10 meters)

Plant Width/Spread (10-year): 0 ft. 4 in. (0.09 meters)

Plant Height-Mature: 30 ft. 0 in. (9.14 meters)

Plant Width-Mature: 0 ft. 4 in. (0.09 meters)

Hardiness: USDA Zones 4 to 9

Flower Color: orange

Sun/Light Exposure: full sun to light or open shade

Water Requirements: occasional watering

Seasonal Interest: citrus orange trumpets are a magnet for hummingbirds in springtime with red-orange berries in autumn

Wildlife Associations: bees, hummingbirds, birds

Culture Notes

In the wild this native vine is often seen growing up through shrubs such as salal or grasses along the roadside; therefore, even though the vines may be in sun, the roots are kept cool by other plants or are growing near moist soil. Plant in a site with full sun or light to open shade. Be sure the roots are shaded and water occasionally during the summer. Dappled shade is also fine and the plants are more drought tolerant in such a situation. A rich, well-drained soil will ensure a robust, flowering vine.