John Clayton Trumpet Honeysuckle

John Clayton Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens 'John Clayton')

John Clayton Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens 'John Clayton') is a native, non-invasive honeysuckle vine treasured for its soft yellow tubular flowers, long bloom period, and adaptability. A refined cultivar of the North American coral honeysuckle, it brings understated elegance to the garden while supporting pollinators and offering seasonal color on trellises, fences, and arbors. Its restrained habit and low-maintenance nature make it well-suited to both formal and naturalistic landscapes.

Distinctive Features

'John Clayton' stands out with pale yellow blooms that appear in clusters from late spring through summer, often reblooming into fall. The flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Semi-evergreen in warmer zones, its clean, blue-green foliage remains tidy throughout the season. This twining vine typically grows 6 to 10 feet long with support, making it ideal for smaller spaces or areas where more aggressive vines would overwhelm.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to poor or sandy soils
• Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Pale yellow blooms add soft color and vertical interest
• Pollinator Gardens: Supports hummingbirds, butterflies, and native bees
• Small Structures: Excellent for arbors, railings, or mailbox posts
• Native Plant Gardens: A beautiful, ecologically valuable native vine
• Cottage and Wildlife Gardens: Fits seamlessly into informal designs

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during establishment; tolerant of dry conditions thereafter
• Pruning: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage rebloom
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
• Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
• Disease Resistance: Highly resistant to powdery mildew and common pests

Why Choose John Clayton Trumpet Honeysuckle?

• Elegant Yellow Blooms: Long-lasting flowers bring soft, cheerful color
• Non-Invasive Native: Offers beauty without aggressive spreading
• Wildlife Friendly: A reliable nectar source for pollinators
• Compact Growth: Fits well in small gardens or narrow spaces
• Focal Point: An understated, graceful vine for vertical accents

Lonicera sempervirens 'John Clayton' is a refined native honeysuckle that offers long-season bloom, ecological value, and a manageable growth habit. Its soft yellow flowers and tidy form make it a welcome addition to gardens focused on color, fragrance, and sustainability.