Lonicera sempervirens 'Leo'

Flower Description:

Lonicera sempervirens 'Leo' produces striking, tubular flowers in vibrant orange-red hues, with a yellow interior that adds depth and contrast. The blooms appear in clusters at the ends of the stems, creating a visually dramatic display. Flowering begins in late spring and continues through summer, with sporadic blooms into fall in favorable conditions. The flowers are rich in nectar, making them a magnet for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.

Foliage Description:

The foliage of 'Leo' is semi-evergreen, depending on the climate. The leaves are smooth, oval to oblong in shape, and grow in opposite pairs along the vine's twining stems. They are a soft bluish-green color, providing a cool, elegant backdrop to the vivid flowers. The leaves are leathery in texture, offering durability and visual interest throughout the growing season, and in warmer regions, they may persist into winter.

Lonicera sempervirens 'Leo', commonly known as Leo Honeysuckle, is a deciduous to semi-evergreen twining vine celebrated for its vibrant orange-red, tubular flowers and attractive blue-green foliage. This cultivar is particularly noted for its long blooming period and its appeal to hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Planting and Location:

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. For optimal flowering, provide at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soils and is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy and clay soils. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
• Spacing: When planting multiple vines, space them 3 to 6 feet apart to allow adequate air circulation and growth.

Watering:

• Establishment Period: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.
• Established Plants: Once established, Leo Honeysuckle is drought-tolerant. However, regular watering during prolonged dry periods will promote better flowering.

Fertilization:

• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. Avoid excessive fertilization, as it can lead to lush foliage with reduced flowering.

Pruning:

• Timing: Prune immediately after the main flowering period, typically in late spring to early summer. This encourages a more compact growth habit and potential re-blooming.
• Method: Remove dead or weak stems and shape the plant as desired. Since flowers bloom on new growth, avoid heavy pruning, which can reduce flowering.

Support:

• Provide a trellis, arbor, or fence for the vine to twine around. Leo Honeysuckle does not cling to surfaces on its own and requires support structures for vertical growth.

Pests and Diseases:

• Generally resistant to serious pests and diseases. However, powdery mildew and leaf spots can occur, especially in humid conditions. Ensure proper spacing and air circulation to minimize these issues.

Winter Care:

• Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9. In colder regions, mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots during winter. While semi-evergreen in warmer climates, it may lose its leaves in colder areas.

Additional Considerations:

• Wildlife Attraction: The nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, while the red berries that follow in late summer to early fall are favored by birds.
• Non-Invasive: Unlike some other honeysuckle species, Leo Honeysuckle is not invasive, making it a suitable choice for gardens without the risk of uncontrolled spreading.