Flame Honeysuckle

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 3-5 feet
Spread: 3-5 feet
Flower Color: orange-red
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Flame Honeysuckle (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii): A Showy, Wildlife-Friendly Shrub for Warm Climates

Flame Honeysuckle, scientifically known as Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii, is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub native to Texas and Mexico, prized for its vibrant, nectar-rich flowers and its ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. This striking plant is a popular choice in pollinator gardens, offering both beauty and ecological benefits in landscapes across warm and arid regions.

Key Features of Flame Honeysuckle

1. Brilliant Flowers: One of Flame Honeysuckle’s defining features is its long, tubular flowers that bloom profusely from early summer to the first frost. The fiery orange to red flowers provide a bright splash of color in the garden and are highly attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators.
2. Lush Foliage: The shrub's bright green, lance-shaped leaves provide a lush backdrop to its flowers, creating a beautiful contrast that enhances the plant’s visual appeal.
3. Adapted for Dry Climates: Native to hot, arid regions, Flame Honeysuckle is a resilient choice for xeriscaping and drought-prone gardens.

Benefits of Flame Honeysuckle in Landscaping

1. Attracts Pollinators: The vivid, nectar-rich flowers are ideal for attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and beneficial insects, adding biodiversity and ecological value to the garden.
2. Versatile Use: Flame Honeysuckle works well as a border plant, in mixed perennial beds, or in containers. It is also well-suited for native plant gardens, creating a natural, wildlife-friendly landscape.
3. Long Blooming Season: Blooming from early summer until frost, this shrub provides continuous color, making it a valuable addition for season-long interest.

Growing and Caring for Flame Honeysuckle

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, which enhances flowering and keeps foliage vibrant.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil and adapts to various soil types, including sandy and rocky soils.
• Watering: Drought-tolerant once established; however, regular watering during the first growing season helps develop a deep root system.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to encourage bushier growth and more prolific flowering.

Why Choose Flame Honeysuckle for Warm Climate Gardens?

Flame Honeysuckle’s resilience to heat and drought, combined with its stunning floral display, make it a top choice for gardens in hot, dry regions. Its low-maintenance nature and ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies make it both a visually captivating and ecologically beneficial plant. Ideal for xeriscaping, border plantings, and native gardens, Flame Honeysuckle is a go-to choice for gardeners seeking a beautiful, hardy shrub with season-long appeal.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Flame Honeysuckle

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart for optimal growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Flame Honeysuckle is a sprawling vine that benefits from occasional trellising or support for vertical growth

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session to ensure deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Flame Honeysuckle is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure deep watering of the root zone
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks