Mexican Honeysuckle!

This is a rare offering of a very beautiful Lonicera species. This Honeysuckle vine was discovered in the forests of Durango in Mexico. The species name hasn't been determined — it may be a larger subspecies of Lonicera pilosa, or it may be a new Lonicera species. Either way, this is a gorgeous vine for collectors. It is a cool-climate plant that is untested in warmer areas. I don't know any other source for it in the U.S.

The Mexican Honeysuckle is an evergreen, woody vine that grows to about 15 feet long here in San Francisco, although it may be pruned to any size. The decorative flower clusters appear from late Spring through early Fall, and are followed by bright red berries. Each cluster has around 10 to 20 flowers that are about 2½" long. While their overall appearance is orange, they have multiple hues ranging from yellow to red. The clusters are capped with an umbrella-like bract that protects the blooms from rain. The blooms are about 50% longer than Lonicera pilosa, which is a similar-looking Mexican species. This Honeysuckle doesn't have a scent - but the hummingbirds don't seem to mind!

Since this plant is so rare, i don't have much information on its climate parameters. It is a highland plant, so it is accustomed to temperatures that are mild year-round. Consider it experimental in areas that regularly get above the low 80s (28°C). If it is like Lonicera pilosa, it probably can only handle a few degrees of frost. It grows well in a pot in well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist. It prefers filtered sunlight; shade it from strong afternoon sun. Give it something to climb through, like a bush or trellis.

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