White Flower Farm
Lonicera x heckrottii 'Gold Flame'
Best low-maintenance climber for gardeners wanting fragrant, hummingbird-friendly vertical color.
The Lonicera x heckrottii 'Gold Flame', or Gold Flame Honeysuckle, is a vigorous climbing vine celebrated for its fragrant, bicolored blossoms that bloom from summer to fall. Its semi-evergreen, blue-green foliage provides year-round interest. This fast-growing plant thrives in well-drained soil and is remarkably resistant to deer, insects, and diseases. It's an excellent choice for trellises and vertical gardens, attracting beneficial hummingbirds to your landscape. Established plants require medium watering and light spring fertilization for optimal growth.
$30.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1695
/ 3082
#1695 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
+9%
Above average
Mature Height
15
/ feet
Who it's for
- Homeowners wanting low-maintenance, fast-growing vertical coverage
- Gardeners seeking sensory appeal and vibrant curb appeal
- Wildlife enthusiasts looking to support local pollinators
Who should skip it
- Parents and pet owners concerned about ingestion safety
- Busy gardeners unable to commit to regular maintenance
- Landscapers without existing sturdy structures for climbing plants
Performance breakdown
Growth Vigor
Rapid climbing habit quickly covers trellises and vertical garden structures.
Pest Resistance
Reliably stands up to deer and common garden insects without fuss.
Pollinator Appeal
Fragrant bicolored blooms act as a magnet for local hummingbirds.
Seasonal Interest
Semi-evergreen foliage provides visual structure well beyond the flowering season.
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal intervention once established beyond basic spring fertilization.
Environmental Adaptability
Thrives across a wide range of zones with flexible light requirements.
Key Specs
Mature Height
15 feet
Mature Spread
6 feet
USDA Hardiness Zones
5 to 9
Water Needs
Medium
SKU
S64634
Plant Type
Vine
Plant Life Cycle
Perennial
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Features
- Fragrant, bicolored summer to fall blooms
- Vigorous, fast-growing climbing vine
- Rarely troubled by deer, insects, or disease
- Attracts beneficial hummingbirds
- Semi-evergreen, blue-green foliage
- Adaptable to full sun or partial shade
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Lonicera 'Gold Flame' for its spectacular aesthetic and intense sweet fragrance, which permeates the garden. The vibrant color transition from deep pink buds to golden throats consistently impresses reviewers. A major benefit is its effectiveness as a magnet for hummingbirds and beneficial insects. While the initial starter plant size upon delivery requires patience for establishment, the mature vine proves reliable and high quality, exhibiting good disease resistance. Despite premium pricing, the stunning visual appeal and powerful scent ultimately justify the investment for gardeners seeking this desirable cultivar. It is highly recommended once fully settled.
Know before you buy
This vine reaches a mature spread of 6 feet, so we recommend spacing plants 3 feet apart. Because it is a vigorous climber, ensure you have a sturdy trellis, fence, or arbor ready to support its 15-foot mature height.
Gold Flame is semi-evergreen, meaning it will retain its blue-green foliage in milder climates. In colder regions within its hardiness range, it may lose some or all of its leaves during the winter months.
Yes, this variety is noted for being remarkably resistant to deer. While no plant is completely deer-proof, Gold Flame is rarely bothered by them, making it a reliable choice for gardens where deer pressure is a concern.
Absolutely. While it thrives in full sun, it is highly adaptable and performs well in partial shade. Keep in mind that more sun exposure generally encourages more prolific blooming.
It is a relatively low-maintenance plant. Once established, it requires medium watering and a light application of fertilizer in the spring to support its fast growth and summer-to-fall bloom cycle.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$30