How to Grow a Hummingbird Tree

 

The hummingbird plant is also known as the Uruguayan firecracker plant or firecracker flower, the scientific name is Dicliptera suberecta. The hummingbird plant is an ornamental plant that delights hummingbirds with its bright blooms from late spring until the first frost in autumn. Continue reading to learn more about hummingbird plant.

 

Hummingbird Plant Info

Actually the hummingbird plants are bushy plants that can reach a height of about two feet with a spread of about three feet. The plant velvety leaves and the stems are an attractive shade of grayish green. The masses of bright, reddish range flowers at the stem tips of the plant are upright and tube-shaped, making it very easy for hummingbirds to reach the sweet nectar. The hummingbird plants are adaptable perennial that is suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones seven and above. In cooler climates the plant can be grown as an annual. The hummingbird plants are suitable for containers, hanging baskets, flower beds, or borders.  

 

 How to Grow a Hummingbird Tree

Actually growing hummingbird tree is very easy. The hummingbird plants are drought-tolerant and heat-loving plant that can be grown in full sunlight and well-drained soil. This plant is also attractive to other beneficial pollinators, including honeybees and butterflies.

 

How to Care for Hummingbird Plant

This plant is actually a hardy, indestructible plant that really thrives on neglect. Although the hummingbird plant likes dry soil, it also benefits from occasional water during hot, dry weather. The application of fertilizer is not necessary. If you’re actually growing this plant as a perennial, you can cut the plant nearly to the ground after blooming ends in autumn. The hummingbird plant will lie dormant for the winter but will burst forth better than ever when the temperatures rise in spring. This plant is resistant to most diseases and pests, although the hummingbird plant may rot in soggy, poorly drained soil. Deer tend to leave the hummingbird plant alone, most likely because of the fuzzy foliage.