Lonicera pilosa

From San Francisco Botanical Garden comes this very rare jewel of a honeysuckle originally collected in the mountains of Durango, Mexico by botanist Dennis Breedlove. Radiant vermillion 2-3” buds held in pendulant clusters of 10-20 open into glowy flame-hued trumpets from Spring into Summer. Reaching 10-15’ tall (and easily kept shorter) with oval opposite leaves, it’s a gem for a trellis, obelisk or growing amid taller shrubs. Easy and pretty darn tough, it’s native to a variety of habitats from lowland and arid to 8,000’ and ours has handled short 20 degree F frosts with no problem. Loved by hummingbirds, too! Thrives in part-sun with well-drained, composted garden soil. It’s also happy as a clam in a large container (20+ gal).