Coral Star Honeysuckle

Lonicera x 'Celestial'

Plants that Work®

Hardy and versatile in USDA zones 5-9.
Compact climbing habit reaching 8-12 feet tall, ideal for vertical gardens.
Continuous reblooming cycle from late spring through the first frost.
High resistance to powdery mildew ensures clean, blue-green foliage all season.

$92³³

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Plant Size

#3 Container - Trellis

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to ensure the most abundant coral-pink blooms. While this vine tolerates partial shade, you will likely see fewer flowers and leggier growth in lower light.
Soil: Plant in well-draining soil enriched with compost to hold moisture without becoming waterlogged. If you are gardening in heavy clay, amend the site with organic matter to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy during the first growing season to help the deep root system establish. Once established, Coral Star is moderately drought tolerant, though irregular watering during summer heat can lead to leaf drop and a pause in flower production.

Pruning Tips

This vine is a repeat bloomer that produces flowers on new growth. Prune lightly in late spring, right after the first flush of blooms finishes, to tidy the shape and stimulate fresh flowering stems for the rest of the season.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer once in early spring as new growth begins to emerge. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers later in the season, as these promote excessive leafy green growth at the expense of those stunning coral star-shaped flowers.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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.

The Coral Star Honeysuckle (Lonicera x 'Celestial') is a visual masterpiece for the vertical landscape. Unlike older varieties that bloom once and fade, 'Celestial' is a powerhouse of productivity. Starting in late spring, the vine erupts in clusters of tubular buds that open to reveal a stunning bicolor effect: rich, coral-orange exteriors with warm, golden-yellow throats. The fragrance is delicate yet enchanting, drawing you into the garden on warm summer evenings.

Lush Foliage and Lasting Beauty

One of the most significant upgrades this cultivar offers is its exceptional health. Many honeysuckles struggle with powdery mildew as the humidity rises, but the Coral Star maintains its composure. The foliage emerges with a slight copper tint before maturing into a sophisticated sea-foam or blue-green shade. This dense, clean backdrop perfectly sets off the fiery blooms, ensuring the plant looks just as good in August as it did in May.

Versatile Vertical Interest

Whether you are looking to screen a neighbor’s fence or add a layer of romance to a garden arbor, Lonicera 'Celestial' is the perfect candidate. It is a "twining" vine, meaning it will happily wrap itself around railings, trellises, or pillars with minimal assistance. Because it stays relatively compact compared to rampant wild species, it is an excellent choice for smaller urban gardens or even large containers equipped with an obelisk. Plant it near a patio or window where you can enjoy the frequent visits from hummingbirds and butterflies that find its nectar irresistible.

Botanical Name

Lonicera x 'Celestial'
Class

Magnoliopsida
Species

x
Cultivar

Celestial
Growing Zones

5-9
Height

8-12 Feet
Width

3-6
Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade
Growth Rate

Fast
Flower Color

Orange, Yellow, Red
Leaf Color

Green
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Late Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Late Fall
Does Not Ship To

AK, GA, HI, ID, MT, NC, PR, SC, WA

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Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

How tall and wide does Coral Star Honeysuckle grow at maturity?

Coral Star Honeysuckle typically reaches 8-10 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide at maturity. This compact twining vine stays much more manageable than wild honeysuckle species, making it perfect for smaller gardens and containers with support structures.

What are the light requirements for Coral Star Honeysuckle?

Coral Star Honeysuckle thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It performs best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal flowering and healthy foliage. Morning sun with some afternoon protection works well in hot climates. Shop at Nature Hills for this reliable bloomer.

How often should I water Coral Star Honeysuckle, and is it drought tolerant?

Water deeply once weekly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, Coral Star Honeysuckle tolerates moderate drought but performs best with consistent moisture. Water at soil level to prevent foliar diseases.

Does Coral Star Honeysuckle need a trellis or support structure?

Yes, Coral Star Honeysuckle needs support since it's a twining vine that wraps around structures. It works well with trellises, arbors, railings, or pillars. For containers, try an obelisk support structure.

Is Coral Star Honeysuckle deer resistant?

Coral Star Honeysuckle offers moderate deer resistance, though hungry deer may still browse it during harsh winters or droughts. The fragrant blooms and dense foliage are less appealing to deer than many other garden plants. For best protection, plant near more deer-resistant companions available at naturehills.com.

Can Coral Star Honeysuckle be grown in containers or raised beds?

Yes, Coral Star Honeysuckle works well in both containers and raised beds. Its compact growth habit makes it ideal for large containers when paired with an obelisk or trellis for support. Provide adequate drainage and choose a container at least 18 inches wide for best results.

How do I prune Coral Star Honeysuckle?

Prune Coral Star Honeysuckle in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Since this cultivar blooms continuously rather than just once, light pruning won't significantly impact flowering. Remove dead or damaged wood and trim back overgrown sections to maintain shape and size.

When and how is Coral Star Honeysuckle shipped, and what is the planting schedule by zone?

Coral Star Honeysuckle ships as a dormant bare-root plant in early spring or as a potted plant during the growing season. Plant after your last frost date when soil is workable. In zones 4-9, this typically means March through May in northern areas and February through April in southern regions.

Will Coral Star Honeysuckle survive cold winters or harsh frost?

Coral Star Honeysuckle is a hardy perennial vine that tolerates cold well once established. As a Lonicera hybrid, it's bred for improved resilience compared to wild species. Plant in spring and provide winter protection the first year in colder zones.