Lonicera, Brown's Honeysuckle 'Dropmore Scarlet'
Best hardy climbing vine for attracting hummingbirds to vertical garden structures.
The 'Dropmore Scarlet' Brown's Honeysuckle from Gertens is an exceptionally hardy deciduous vine, perfect for adding vibrant color and vertical interest to your garden. It produces showy clusters of scarlet trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom throughout the summer, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators. With green foliage that maintains its color all season, this easy-to-grow vine reaches up to 20 feet, ideal for trellises, arbors, or fences. It thrives in zones 3-8, offering a resilient and beautiful addition to any landscape.
$16.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
831
/ 2989
#831 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-39%
Below average
Mature Height
20
/ feet
Who it's for
- Gardeners looking to support local hummingbirds and pollinators
- Homeowners in cold climates needing reliable, hardy landscaping
- Busy gardeners wanting low-maintenance plants without pest issues
Who should skip it
- Gardeners without existing trellises or sturdy vertical support structures
- Owners of shaded yards seeking maximum flower density
- Families with small children or pets sensitive to toxic berries
Performance breakdown
Winter Hardiness
Exceptional cold tolerance makes this a reliable choice for northern climates.
Pollinator Appeal
Trumpet-shaped blooms act as a magnet for hummingbirds and local bees.
Vertical Versatility
Ideal for quickly covering trellises, fences, and various garden structures.
Bloom Duration
Consistent scarlet color provides visual interest throughout the entire summer season.
Maintenance Ease
A low-fuss vine that establishes quickly with minimal ongoing care required.
Urban Resilience
Handles city conditions and environmental stressors better than most ornamental vines.
Key Specs
Mature Height
20 feet
Spread
24 inches
Hardiness Zone
3-8
Sunlight Requirement
Full Sun, Part Sun, No Sun
Bloom Time
June, July, August
Growth Rate
Medium
Soil Type Preference
Well-Drained
Deciduous
Features
- Extremely hardy vine for tough conditions
- Showy scarlet-red trumpet flowers
- Long summer bloom period
- Attracts hummingbirds and pollinators
- Great for vertical structures
- Easy to establish and maintain
- Tolerant of urban environments
- Not aggressively invasive
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Lonicera 'Dropmore Scarlet' for its reliability and vibrant appeal. The most celebrated feature is its exceptional ability to attract hummingbirds with its striking scarlet orange blooms. Gardeners consistently report that this vine is vigorous and hardy, demonstrating impressive resilience, especially surviving harsh winters. While some initial plants were smaller than expected, reviewers confirm rapid growth quickly establishes the vine. Its vigorous nature requires sturdy support. Overall, this plant delivers on its promise, offering a beautiful, dependable, and wildlife friendly addition that proves highly worthwhile.
Know before you buy
Yes, as a vining plant that can reach up to 20 feet, it performs best when trained onto a trellis, arbor, fence, or other vertical structure.
While it is adaptable to various light conditions, it thrives best in full sun to part sun. Providing at least six hours of direct sunlight will encourage the most prolific scarlet blooms throughout the summer.
No, 'Dropmore Scarlet' is not considered aggressively invasive. It is a well-behaved, hardy vine that is easy to manage in a home garden setting.
This variety is exceptionally hardy and is rated for zones 3-8. It is specifically bred to withstand cold climates, making it a reliable choice for northern gardens.
It prefers well-drained soil to prevent root rot. As long as your garden soil isn't consistently waterlogged, the vine is generally easy to establish and maintain.
Because the trumpet-shaped scarlet flowers are a primary nectar source for hummingbirds, you can expect frequent visits throughout the bloom period from June through August.
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$17