Expert: C.L. Fornari - 9/17/2011

Question
Hello,
I have a plant I have identified as Lonicera sempervirens.

I am asking your advice because the Humming birds love this plant in the winter and it is not doing well.

The info I have found says that it flowers in early spring to mid summer. But I have seen it's red trumpet like flowers all year long, in Seattle Wa.

Two main questions. First, why does my plant have flowers all year round even in severe cold, in spite of what I have read.

Second and more importantly, how do I care for it? It started do die, I believe because of over watering as we had a very wet winter and spring. I put it in partial covering and shade and it came back and flowered a single set of trumpets Nd has since stalled again.

Other wise I am looking for a year round flower for my hummers.

Thanks

Answer
William,
Some forms of this honeysuckle bloom repeatedly on new growth, and you clearly have one of those. Not all are repeat bloomers, hence what you've read.

This plant does best in full sun with well drained soil. If you want repeat blooming, put it where it gets at least 5 hour of direct sun and as soon as it slows in flowering prune it back a bit (shearing about 6 to 8" off the ends) to stimulate new growth. Don't amend the soil or fertilize more than once a year with general organic fertilizer.

I hope this helps!
C.L.