What soil does Scarlet trumpet honeysuckle grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, calcareous, acidic.

Is Scarlet trumpet honeysuckle hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Scarlet trumpet honeysuckle toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

When does Scarlet trumpet honeysuckle flower?

Flowering: June–October, red, orange.

How much water does Scarlet trumpet honeysuckle need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

Scarlet trumpet honeysuckle

Lonicera × brownii

Scarlet trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera × brownii) is a climber. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €20.

Illustration of Scarlet trumpet honeysuckle — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A honeysuckle that flowers for months: from early summer into autumn it bears narrow scarlet trumpets, orange inside, above blue-green foliage, and the topmost leaf pairs are fused into a disc around the stem. It climbs by twining stems and has no suckers or aerial roots, so it needs something to wind around: a trellis, wire mesh, a fence, a pergola post or tensioned wires; it will not go up a bare wall on its own. That way it climbs to 3 or 4 metres and it regrows even after hard pruning. It is very frost hardy and grows in sun or part shade, but wants fresh, fertile, well-drained soil. It has little or no scent, so plant it for colour, not fragrance; it is mostly sold as 'Dropmore Scarlet' and 'Fuchsioides'.

Watch out for

Shoot tips and buds are often covered in aphids in late spring and early summer, mainly in baking sun in front of a warm wall; it is less affected in part shade. In hot, dry weather with dry roots powdery mildew may appear on the leaves, so in Central Europe water it in summer and mulch the soil. Leaf spot can occur as well. With time it goes bare at the base; thin it and cut it back after flowering or in late winter.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 3.5 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–October, red, orange

Group	Climber
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	3.5 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	2.5–4 m × 1–2 m
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–October, red, orange
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	Fruit
Planting distance	80 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about €20

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €20

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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