Major Wheeler Honeysuckle Vine

Lonicera sempervirens 'Major Wheeler'

American Beauties®

Hundreds of Vibrant Red Trumpet Blooms that Hummingbirds Can't Resist All Summer Long
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 5-7 ft Tall, 3-5 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Salt Tolerant
Ideal for Border in Butterfly Gardens

$101⁴³

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#2 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Ensure this vine gets full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct light daily, to produce the spectacular red blooms it is known for. While it can survive in partial shade, the flowering will be sparse and the vine may stretch and become leggy in an attempt to find light.
Soil: This native honeysuckle is adaptable to various soil types but performs best in well-drained, loamy soil. If you are planting in heavy clay, amend it with compost to improve drainage, or add organic matter to sandy soils to help retain moisture near the roots.

Watering Requirements

Consistent moisture is critical during the first year to help the deep root system establish itself in your landscape. Once established, 'Major Wheeler' is quite drought tolerant, though occasional deep watering during hot, dry spells will keep the foliage lush and support a heavier bloom cycle.

Pruning Tips

Because this variety blooms on new wood, the ideal time to prune is in late winter or very early spring before the buds break. You can prune lightly to shape the vine or cut it back harder to manage its size, which stimulates vigorous new growth that will be covered in flowers later in the season.

Fertilizer Needs

Feed your vine with a balanced, slow-release shrub fertilizer in early spring just as new growth begins to appear. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the growing season, as this promotes excessive green leaves at the expense of flowers and can leave tender growth vulnerable to winter damage.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Flowering, Reblooming, Deer-resistant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts pollinators, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	5-7 ft
Width	3-5 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Climbing, Spreading
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring, Summer
Flower Color	Red
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Honeysuckle
Botanical Name	Lonicera sempervirens 'Major Wheeler'
Species	sempervirens
Cultivar	Major Wheeler
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, GA, HI, ID, MT, NC, PR, SC, WA

Simply gorgeous, the Major Wheeler Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens 'Major Wheeler') is one of the hardiest red-flowering Honeysuckle around! Your Honeysuckle will quickly grow to full size and start blooming in spring, lasting all summer long. These 2-inch blooms appear in the hundreds and you will be amazed by the sheer volume of these exotic flowers! They are a favorite among pollinators, butterflies, and hummingbirds that will not be able to resist!

With no worry about being invasive like some native species, Major Wheeler will fit perfectly into any garden design and size. The long tubular blooms are red with striking gold interiors, and hang in bold clusters that absolutely smother this plant! This is a vital source of nectar for all your beneficial insects and birds! With a longer bloom time than other Honeysuckle, you'll have these visitors for weeks!

Unlike some other flowering vines, this deciduous twining vine will not attach to wood! It can also be trained into a shrub or left to trail along the ground. It's adaptable to many conditions and easy to manage. These exotic flowers cling to a vigorously growing vine and are absolutely vibrant as it twists and turns around your garden trellis.

It's a rugged deciduous climber that's virtually indestructible, even with haphazard pruning. Each year, from June to September, you can look forward to lightly fragrant masses of scarlet-gold tubular flowers that give way to small red berries in the fall which the birds just love.

How to Use Major Wheeler Honeysuckle In The Landscape

Despite being a fast-growing Climbing Vine, it won't get into trouble in the landscape, Major Wheeler will ramble up trellis, fences and any place you encourage it to do so. Reaching near full height in a single growing season, this variety of Coral Honeysuckle is amazing growers! Filling an area with deep blue-green foliage and bright blooms, these even work amazingly well in containers and act as both the upright thriller or a flowing spiller.

Let it climb over fences and hide an unsightly view while enhancing your own, providing lush backdrop plants among your beds and borders. Beautifully spilling over retaining walls and rambling over hardscapes as well as they climb! Adapting to any style garden, these tame natives fill your landscape with color quickly and are even suitable for indoor floral arrangements with vivid blooms.

Incorporate into your garden beds and borders on a trellis or an obelisk among your other planted flowers and perennials to add height, color, and drama throughout your landscape! Imagine Honeysuckle growing up the columns of your pergolas and gazebos with lush greenery. No pollinator garden should be without something to attract butterflies and other visitors!

Tubular True Red Blooms & Gold Interiors
Non-Stop Blooms & Beautiful Cut Flower
Longest Lasting Blooms Among Honeysuckle
Pollinators & Hummingbirds Love It!
Container & Climbing Plant & Rambling Groundcover

#ProPlantTips For Care

Deer-resistant and extremely hardy, Major Wheeler Honeysuckle Vines thrives in a wide range of USDA 4 through 10 hardiness zones. Loving the full sun, these are also tolerant of partial sun, especially when planted in hotter climates, appreciating the relief from the worst of the summer sun. Not invasive like the yellow and white flowering varieties, Major Wheeler is highly disease resistant and adaptable. Not particular about soil type, Major loves any well-drained soil that ranges from acidic to alkaline.

Take care when applying lawn fertilizers near flowering shrubs. These high-nitrogen formulas are designed to produce foliage, but will not support flower development. Instead, apply an all-purpose fertilizer for blooming plants in early spring. Reapply in mid-summer, following label directions for application rates.

Doing best in average moisture, Major Wheeler is very drought tolerant once established. Extremely easy care and low maintenance, these won't need pruning but are highly conducive to a haircut if needed. It blooms on old wood and on new growth so it can be pruned most any time you need to change the size.

Shines in Full Sun & Part Shade
Deer Resistant
Non-Aggressive
Easy Care & Low Maintenance
Tidy Vine Form & Water-Wise
Extremely Hardy Native Selection
Prune Any Time

Sometimes a plant performs just a bit too well in certain areas. Rest assured, Nature Hills uses Plant Sentry™ to track all federal, state and local regulations on invasive materials. We will always protect you and your community. We're happy to offer this selection for sale in areas where it will work beautifully without any concern. To check your availability, simply type in your Zip Code to Find Your Growing Zone in the section above the Plant Highlights.

You won't go wrong by adding height, drama, color, fragrance and amazing blooms to your landscape! Major Wheeler Honeysuckle is just the bold addition your hum-drum garden beds have been craving! Order yours today from Nature Hills Nursery!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Major Wheeler Honeysuckle suitable for?

Major Wheeler Honeysuckle thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. This hardy variety can handle cold winters while delivering reliable blooms from June through September. Plant it where you need fast-growing color that won't become invasive.

How large does Major Wheeler Honeysuckle Vine grow at maturity (height and width)?

Major Wheeler Honeysuckle typically reaches 8-15 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide at maturity. This vigorous climber reaches near full height in a single growing season. Plan adequate vertical support and shop at Nature Hills for this fast-growing vine.

What are the basic care requirements for Major Wheeler Honeysuckle, like watering and pruning?

Major Wheeler Honeysuckle is virtually indestructible and tolerates haphazard pruning without issue. This rugged climber adapts to many conditions and requires minimal maintenance once established. Prune lightly after the blooming period ends in September to maintain shape and encourage next year's flowers.

Does Major Wheeler Honeysuckle need full sun or can it tolerate part shade?

Major Wheeler Honeysuckle thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade conditions. While it's adaptable to many growing situations, you'll get the best flowering performance and most vigorous growth with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

How drought-tolerant is Major Wheeler Honeysuckle once established?

Major Wheeler Honeysuckle is quite drought-tolerant once established, thanks to its rugged and virtually indestructible nature. This adaptable vine handles many conditions with ease once its root system develops. Water regularly the first year, then it can handle dry spells beautifully.

Is Major Wheeler Honeysuckle deer-resistant or rabbit-resistant?

Major Wheeler Honeysuckle is generally deer-resistant due to its naturally bitter compounds that deer typically avoid. Rabbits may occasionally browse young shoots in spring, but mature plants are usually left alone. Plant it in areas where deer pressure is high for best results.

When does Major Wheeler Honeysuckle bloom, and how long does the bloom season last?

Major Wheeler Honeysuckle blooms from June through September, providing months of continuous color. The flowering begins in spring and extends all summer long, giving you one of the longest bloom periods among honeysuckle varieties. Plant in full sun for maximum flower production.

How is Major Wheeler Honeysuckle Vine shipped—as a potted plant or bare root?

Major Wheeler Honeysuckle arrives as a healthy potted plant, ready to establish quickly in your garden. This vigorous vine reaches near full height in a single growing season and begins blooming the first spring after planting. Plant in well-draining soil and provide a trellis or support structure for best results.

Will my Major Wheeler Honeysuckle arrive healthy, and what's the warranty or guarantee?

Major Wheeler Honeysuckle is virtually indestructible and arrives ready to reach near full height in a single growing season. This rugged climber tolerates haphazard pruning and adapts to many conditions. Plant it near a trellis or support structure and watch it quickly establish itself for summer-long blooms.