Key Features

• Growth Habit:
  • Rounded, bushy evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial shrub
  • Typically grows 3–4 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide
  • Dense, naturally mounded growth with arching stems
• Bloom Color:
  • Bright orange to orange-red tubular flowers
• Fragrance:
  • Little to no noticeable floral fragrance
• Fruit Flavor:
  • Not grown for edible fruit production
• Culinary Uses:
  • Leaves have traditionally been used to prepare herbal teas and natural food colorings in parts of Mexico
  • Not commonly cultivated as a culinary herb
• Medicinal & Traditional Uses:
  • Traditionally used in Mexican folk medicine and herbal teas
  • Historically valued for its natural pigments used as dyes and beverages
• Wildlife Attraction & Pest Resistance:
  • Highly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators
  • Deer resistant once established
  • Rabbit resistant
  • Generally resistant to pests and diseases
  • Heat and humidity tolerant
• Planting Zones: USDA Zones 8–11
• Sun Preferences:
  • Full sun to partial shade
  • Best flowering occurs in full sun, though afternoon shade is beneficial in extremely hot climates
• Drought Tolerance:
  • Moderate once established
  • Performs best with occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods
• When to Prune:
  • Prune lightly throughout the growing season to maintain a compact, bushy shape.
  • Perform more extensive pruning in late winter or early spring before vigorous new growth begins.
  • Remove any frost-damaged or dead stems after the last frost.

Planting Instructions (From a 3.5" Pot into the Ground)

1. Choose the Location

• Select a location with well-drained soil and at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily.
• Ideal for pollinator gardens, borders, cottage gardens, and foundation plantings.

2. Prepare the Soil

• Loosen soil 10–12 inches deep.
• Mix in compost or organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.

3. Dig the Hole

• Dig a hole twice as wide as the 3.5-inch pot and equal depth.

4. Remove from Pot

• Carefully remove the plant from the container.
• Gently loosen any circling roots before planting.

5. Plant

• Set the root ball so the top is level with the surrounding soil.
• Backfill with soil and gently firm around the roots.

6. Water Thoroughly

• Water deeply immediately after planting.
• Keep soil evenly moist during the first several weeks while the plant establishes.

7. Mulch

• Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the stems.

8. Spacing

• Space plants 3–5 feet apart to allow for mature growth and good air circulation.

Overwintering Mexican Honeysuckle

In-Ground Plants

• Hardy in USDA Zones 8–11.
• Evergreen in frost-free climates and semi-evergreen where light frosts occur.
• In cooler areas, frost may kill the top growth, but established roots often resprout in spring.

Winter Care Tips

• Apply a 2–4 inch layer of mulch around the root zone before winter in cooler regions.
• Water sparingly during winter, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Wait until spring to remove frost-damaged stems, as they can help protect the crown during cold weather.

Container-Grown Plants

• Move containers indoors or to a protected patio or greenhouse before hard freezes.
• Place in bright light and reduce watering while growth slows.
• Resume regular watering and fertilizing once new spring growth begins.

Mexican Honeysuckle is a vibrant, pollinator-friendly shrub that delivers months of brilliant orange blooms with very little maintenance. Its long flowering season, exceptional hummingbird appeal, heat tolerance, and attractive evergreen foliage make it a wonderful addition to borders, wildlife gardens, cottage landscapes, and warm-climate gardens where continuous color is desired.