Major Wheeler is one of the best coral honeysuckles. It grows well on trellises, fences, and arbors to add color and draw in wildlife.
In central North Carolina, flowers begin to bloom in March and can last all the way through the growing season and even into December on fully grown vines.
Sun to part shade, more sun equals more flowers. Prefers moist, well-drained moist soil, but it is adaptable and drought tolerant, once established. Avoid planting in wet soil.
If you have to prune them, do it after their big flower show in the spring so you don’t lose them for next year. Deer can damage vines, so cover them with netting or chicken wire until they grow about 5 feet tall enough for deer to avoid them. high.
Any vertical structure; including pergolas, pillars, and gazebos. Major Wheeler can also be planted in a large container to train along a deck railing.
In the south, spring or fall is the best time to plant vines, but you can do it any time as long as you remember to water them.
8 to 12 feet apart. Depending on how fertile and moist the soil is, plants will cover around 60 to 120 sq. ft. of space.
With its profusion of rich red blooms and sweet scent, Lonicera major Wheeler is one honeysuckle vine that makes a spectacular statement in the garden. This deciduous woody vine offers season-long beauty, attracting pollinators while also being pleasing to the eye.
Overview
Part of the Caprifoliaceae family, Lonicera major Wheeler is a cultivar of the trumpet honeysuckle species Lonicera sempervirens. It was bred by horticulturist Dr. Leonard Wheeler and introduced in the 1960s.
Unlike many honeysuckle vines that can run rampant L. major Wheeler is noted for being more compact and well-behaved. It grows up to 10 feet tall with a 6 foot spread though it may reach larger proportions over time. The vines produce abundant red tubular flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. The flowers give way to red berries in fall.
Key Features
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Brilliant red trumpet-shaped blooms up to 2 inches long
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Flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators
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Sweet honeysuckle scent
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Dark green oval leaves
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Red berry-like fruit in fall
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Twining vines
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Disease resistant
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Attracts birds
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Deer resistant
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Sun to part shade
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USDA Zones 4-10
Uses in the Landscape
Lonicera major Wheeler makes a showstopping vertical accent in borders, cottage gardens, and climbing up arbors or trellises. It can also be trained as a flowering screen over fences and arches. The vines grow well on structures but can also sprawl through shrubs and trees.
With abundant nectar-rich blooms, L. major Wheeler is excellent for attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Plant it near seating areas where the sweet fragrance can be enjoyed. The vine adds multi-season interest with flowers, fruit, and fall color. It combines beautifully with roses, foxglove, bee balm, and other cottage garden favorites.
Planting and Care
Lonicera major Wheeler thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is unfazed by summer heat and humidity. Prune in late winter to shape and remove any dead wood. Water during drought. This carefree vine has no serious pests or diseases.
Provide sturdy support for the vigorous vines to twine onto. A trellis, arbor, or fence works well. L. major Wheeler can be pruned anytime to keep its size in check. For optimal flowering, prune lightly after bloom.
Hardy even in cold climates, L. major Wheeler may die back to the ground after harsh winters but resprouts vigorously in spring. Cut away dead stems in early spring. Protect new shoots from late frosts.
Varieties
Lonicera sempervirens Major Wheeler is sometimes grouped with the species name Lonicera ×brownii, as it is a probable hybrid of L. sempervirens and L. hirsuta.
A popular variety is ‘Alabama Crimson’ which has deep red flowers. ‘Magnifica’ is another crimson selection but with larger blooms. ‘John Clayton’ has softer pink flowers.
Problems and Pests
Lonicera major Wheeler has no serious insect or disease issues. Sometimes Japanese beetles will feed on the foliage. Simply pick them off by hand.
Potential problems include powdery mildew, leaf spots, stem blight, and chlorosis in alkaline soils. Improve airflow and avoid overhead watering to prevent disease.
Deer tend to avoid L. major Wheeler, making it a good choice where deer browse. It has no toxicity concerns.
Where to Buy Lonicera major Wheeler
Lonicera major Wheeler is carried by many online nurseries that specialize in unique garden plants. High Country Gardens and Growing Wild Nursery offer good options for buying plants and seeds. Local garden centers may stock it seasonally.
With its vibrant, prolific blooms and carefree nature, Lonicera major Wheeler adds impressive beauty to gardens and landscapes. This honeysuckle vine provides multi-season appeal along with wildlife value. Let L. major Wheeler steal the show in your garden this year!
What’s the difference between Major Wheeler and ordinary coral honeysuckle?
Major Wheeler has a longer and heavier flowering display than the species, Lonicera sempervirens. You’ll need another coral honeysuckle that isn’t Major Wheeler, though, if you want a lot of berries. This allows the flowers of each vine to cross-pollinate and produce more fruit.
When will my plant flower?
Spring-planted vines should produce some blooms in their first year.
Lonicera ‘Major Wheeler’ (Honeysuckle) // First-Class Non-Invasive, Native Honeysuckle!
FAQ
Does major wheeler honeysuckle need a trellis?
Is major wheeler honeysuckle vine invasive?
How do you care for a major wheeler honeysuckle vine?
Is major wheeler honeysuckle a perennial or annual?
What is Major Wheeler honeysuckle?
Major Wheeler honeysuckle, also known as ‘Major Wheeler’ honeysuckle, is a vigorous vine with lush green foliage that rapidly grows to cover any area. It is known for its long-lasting, vibrant flower display, which begins in late spring and continues all summer. The vivid red trumpet flowers attract hummingbirds and the plant thrives in zones 4-8, in the sun, and reaches a maturity of 10′ tall x 10′ wide.
What is the best red flowering honeysuckle vine?
Hands down the BEST red flowering honeysuckle vine we’ve ever grown in our gardens, and the hummingbirds that flock to it will agree, ‘Major Wheeler’ Trumpet Honeysuckle is a “MAJOR” improvement of the species. Why?
Are ‘Major Wheeler’ honeysuckle flowers still available?
No longer available this season. Fast growing ‘Major Wheeler’ Honeysuckle’s blooms are true red and plentiful, appearing with enthusiasm throughout the summer season.
Do hummingbirds like Lonicera sempervirens?
Lonicera sempervirens ‘Major Wheeler’ produces a blanket of tubular, reddish orange to coral flowers from late spring through summer, attracting hummingbirds. Later, the vines’ red berries attract goldfinches and robins. It’s a selection of our native Honeysuckle species, Lonicera sempervirens, and plants are both carefree and noninvasive.
Which Lonicera sempervirens is the best?
The best selection of Lonicera sempervirens is ‘Major Wheeler’. It stands out above the rest and we’ve dropped all other red cultivars due to its benefits. Its first benefit is clean foliage, which remains mildew-free even during droughts or overgrown production. However, its real asset is its flower power.
How much sun does Lonicera sempervirens ‘Major Wheeler’ need?
Lonicera sempervirens ‘Major Wheeler’ prefers full sun to part shade, according to North American Distribution Map. More sun will give you more flowers. However, it is tolerant of drought and dry soils once established, but either may reduce flower production and growth.