Lonicera sempervirens (Coral Honeysuckle 'Major Wheeler')
Coral Honeysuckle is the Cinderella of vines. It might not have the showiness of some of its counterparts, but do not let its modesty fool you. Unlike Wisteria or Trumpet Vine, it does not want to take over the world and destroy everything in its path. It is perfect for arbors and fences where it truly shines while behaving well. As it is the case with many vines, it prefers cool feet and a sunny location for best flowering. Coral Honeysuckle can be pruned after flowering to shape and control growth. It is loved by hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies alike.
'Major Wheeler' originates from a native Lonicera sempervirens plant discovered in coastal North Carolina in the 1980s by Pat and Charles Wheeler, who rescued it from a construction site. It is said to be a slightly improved, more vigorous, longer blooming selection. If you want to have lots of berries, you will need another Coral Honeysuckle that is not ‘Major Wheeler’.
AT A GLANCE
| Texas native |
Nativar |
| Water use | Low to medium |
| Sun exposure | Full to part sun |
| Bloom color | Red |
| Bloom time | Spring |
| Mature height | 12-20 ft |
| Attracts | Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, birds |
| Host plant | Spring azure butterfly, Snowberry clearwing moth |
| Notes | Bumble bee friendly. |
DISTRIBUTION MAPS
 Present in state |
 Present in county and native |
 Native to North America, but adventive & escaped in state |
 Not present in state |
 Present and rare, native in county |
 Previously present, now extinct |
 Questionable presence (cross-hatched, regardless of color) |
