Hummingbird Plant is a gorgeous native California
plant that has dark green leaves and bright orange tubular flowers that are
rich in nectar. Because it blooms in the fall, it is important, not only for
hummingbirds, but for our fall color.
The narrow flower is just the right shape for
tiny little tongues to lap up sweet nectar. Since hummingbirds average 1000
flowers a day, it is fortunate that this shape keeps out a lot of other
competing insects.
Hummingbird Plant doesn't die back to the ground here,
but we shear it back to the ground after bloom to keep it tidy. It will regrow
from the ground in the spring and begin spreading underground. If you wish
to confine your plants, runners are easily dug out.
Hummingbird Plant is very drought tolerant but
should not be thought of as a xeriscape plant. Some water is necessary to
keep it looking nice in the summer and encourage the hundreds of flowers
that will follow in the fall.
If you prefer a silvery look, you might check out
Epilobium cana which has all the same attributes but with gray leaves.
For more
information on fall blooming plants, be sure to check out our newsletter
Fall's Fabulous Follies. |