Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle

Lonicera × brownii ‘Dropmore Scarlet’

Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle is a cold-hardy, deciduous climbing vine known for its striking scarlet-red tubular flowers that bloom all summer. Developed in Canada, it is a vigorous, non-invasive, and low-maintenance vine that attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. This showy honeysuckle is perfect for fences, trellises, arbors, and pergolas in Southwest Saskatchewan.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 3-9 (very winter-hardy, thrives in prairie climates)
• Mature Size:
  • Height: 10-15 feet tall (climbing with support)
  • Spread: 4-6 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Fast (1-2 feet per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade (best flowering in 6+ hours of direct sun)
• Soil Preference:
  • Prefers well-drained, loamy soil.
  • Tolerates clay, sandy, and slightly alkaline soils.
  • Avoid overly wet or compacted soil, as honeysuckle prefers good drainage.
• Spacing: 4-6 feet apart for multiple vines.

Watering

• Young Plants (First Year): Water deeply 1-2 times per week to establish roots.
• Established Vines: Drought-tolerant but benefits from deep watering every 7-10 days in dry periods.
• Avoid Overwatering: Prefers moderate soil moisture but does not tolerate standing water.

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—focus on root establishment.
• Mature Vines:
  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring to encourage strong growth and flowering.
  • Organic alternative: Compost or well-rotted manure in spring.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts.
• How to Prune:
  • Remove dead, damaged, or weak branches to promote healthy growth.
  • Trim lightly after flowering to maintain shape and control size.
  • Older plants can be rejuvenated by cutting back one-third of the oldest stems every 3-4 years.

Flowers, Foliage & Seasonal Interest

• Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall (June-September)
• Flower Color: Bright scarlet-red tubular flowers with orange interiors
• Fragrance: Mild to none (not as fragrant as other honeysuckles, but highly attractive to pollinators)
• Foliage:
  • Spring & Summer: Dark green, oval leaves that form pairs along stems
  • Fall: Leaves turn yellow before dropping

Pest & Disease Management

Resistant to: Drought, deer, urban pollution, and most pests

Common Pests:

• Aphids – May cause curling leaves and sticky honeydew.
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce ladybugs.
• Spider Mites – Can cause leaf discoloration in hot, dry conditions.
  • Solution: Hose off with water or use insecticidal soap.

Common Diseases:

• Powdery Mildew – White fungal coating on leaves in humid conditions.
  • Solution: Improve airflow and apply fungicide if needed.
• Leaf Spot (Fungal or Bacterial) – Brown spots on foliage.
  • Solution: Avoid overhead watering and remove infected leaves.

Winter Protection

• Highly winter-hardy—no special protection needed in Zone 3-9.
• Mulching: Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base (not touching the stems) to insulate roots.
• Rodent & Deer Protection: Generally resistant to deer, but rabbits may nibble young stems in early spring.

Landscape Uses

Perfect for fences, trellises, pergolas, and arbors
Bright scarlet-red flowers provide a striking visual impact
Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and pollinators
Low-maintenance and non-invasive
Works well in both modern and cottage-style gardens

Additional Notes:

• Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle is one of the best cold-hardy honeysuckles, offering long-lasting blooms and fast vertical growth.
• Lifespan: 20+ years with proper care.
• Non-invasive – Unlike Japanese honeysuckle, this variety will not aggressively spread.
• Works well as a climbing vine, container-grown vine, or trained along fences for a natural privacy screen.

Photo courtesy of Foothills Nursery