The High Line’s planting design is inspired by the self-seeded landscape that grew up between rail tracks after the trains stopped running in the 1980s. Today, the High Line includes more than 300 species of perennials, grasses, shrubs, and trees – each chosen for their hardiness, adaptability, diversity, and seasonal variation in color and texture. Some of the species that originally grew on the High Line’s rail bed are reflected in the park landscape today.
This week we share with you one of our gardeners’ current favorites.
Major Wheeler coral honeysuckle, Lonicera sempervirens 'Major Wheeler,' is a variety of trumpet honeysuckle that is native to the eastern side of North America, where you can find this popular ornamental vine climbing up fences, light posts, trellises, and mailboxes. It is appreciated by gardeners for its bright red trumpet-shaped blooms, colorful berries, and ability to attract a variety of pollinators. Here on the High Line, the plant attracts Ruby-throated hummingbirds in the early morning hours, when there are fewer visitors and the park is at its most serene.
WHERE TO SEE THIS PLANT
The plant is growing on the vegetal fencing on the western side of the High Line between West 17th and West 18th Streets.