Lonicera sempervirens 'Major Wheeler' is a vigorous native honeysuckle cultivar prized for its heavy bloom of bright red tubular flowers loved by hummingbirds. It is non invasive, mildew resistant, and blooms profusely from spring through summer with scattered fall rebloom.
Height & Spread: 6 - 10 ft x 3 - 6 ft
Bloom Time: Late spring to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun to part sun
Soil Preference: Well drained soil; tolerant of clay and sand
Watering Needs: Moderate; once established, tolerates some drought
Deer Resistance: Moderately deer resistant
Native Status
This cultivar is a selection of Lonicera sempervirens, a vine native to the southeastern United States and valued for its wildlife support and ornamental value.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Hummingbirds
- Extremely attractive to Ruby Throated Hummingbirds, which feed heavily on its red tubular blooms.
Butterflies
- Visited by butterflies such as Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Great Spangled Fritillary during peak bloom.
Bees
- Supports long tongued native bees and leafcutter bees with its tubular flower structure and extended bloom season.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Plant 3 - 6 ft apart when training along fences or arbors; allow room to spread and climb support structures.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent for vertical accents, wildlife gardens, mailboxes, and informal screens where color and habitat value are desired.
Companion Plants
- Amelanchier canadensis (Serviceberry) - Offers spring flowers and berries for birds that complement Lonicera’s structure.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' - Adds soft yellow flowers and fine foliage to the base of vertical supports.
- Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' - Provides foliage contrast and tubular blooms for pollinators in layered planting designs.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' - Brings bold summer color and pollinator support around the base of vines.
- Salvia greggii 'Autumn Sage' - Attracts hummingbirds and blooms in tandem with honeysuckle through summer.