I did a google search and came up with LOTS of sites that should help answer your questions.

Here is a link that might be useful: Loniceras that are hardy to zone 5

I did a search BEFORE I posted. The sites I was finding was giving basic growing conditions/zones, etc, unless an actual selling site no color. But I would like more specific feedback from experience growers in my zone or in nearby zones, which is why I came and posted here. I've found many of the GardenWeb Forums friendly places for information and discussion. Maybe I phrased the question inadequately for this particular forum to understand what I was looking for...friendly input and discussion of honeysuckle in zone 5 and those near it.

Suz

Suz,
I think Kay was trying to be helpful.
I'm going to try and be helpful too.

I purchased a scarlet something honeysuckle years ago. It was a recommended variety in GardenGate magazine. It bloomed less and less. I couldn't keep the aphids from chewing the buds. It also needed to be roped to the trellis as they aren't as good at climbing as some other vines.
Evetually I pulled it and put in 3 clematis that bloom at differnt times.

Not the advice you wanted but I've been to plenty of gardens in zone 5 and honeysuckle don't seem to be real popular.

Karen

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:620258}}

I live in zone 5 (Chicago). I planted 2 varieties of honeysuckle: x heckrotti (Goldflame) and sempervireus (Trumpet) several years ago, and they're doing very well. They are prone to aphid problems and powdery mildew, though. (It seems that the trumpet honeysuckle is more resistant to aphids than the Goldflame.) I use a hard spray of water to knock the aphids off until the ladybugs take over, and spray with a homemade concoction (1 tbs. baking soda, 1 tbs. vegetable oil & 1 tbs dishwashing liquid in a gallon of water) to deal with the mildew. IMO they are definitely worth the fuss - we get prolific blooms, and I love the daily visits from hummingbirds!

Did you search the info on google? Just kidding!!!!

I am in Milwaukee, WI. I planted Lonicera dropmore scarlet honeysuckle last year. I believe the scientific name is Lonicera x brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet'- some sites say the blooms are red but they are really a dark orange, pretty color.

I don't have any problems as far as powdery mildew, this is my second year and it has done well for me. I have it planted in a west facing location against my house climbing a permanent trellis. Trim them for shape only.

I believe the japanese honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica, is the one to avoid as it is known to be invasive.