Hummingbird Plants

Here are just a few of my favorite hummingbird-friendly plants. Below is a bibliography with much more.

Lemon Bottlebrush Callistemon citrinus Click here to enlarge that wierd flower. Lemon Bottlebrush Callistemon citrinus Bottlebrush is a stunning evergreen small tree or large shrub (depending on your point of view, I guess). It blooms two or more times a year and is easy to grow and loves warmth, moisture, and sun. Bottlebrush is actually native to Austrailia where it grows mostly in moist soil in open or woodland sites. It does well in dry conditions and full sun but is fairly tolerant in some shade. When you crush the leaves of this species, they emit a lemony scent. The flowers contain nectar in the bases that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and even Orioles! I have one that's about seven feet tall after only a couple of years. It's by the sidewalk in front of my house, where is attracts both hummingbirds and walking neighbors -- about equally!

Little Imp Abutilon megapotanicum Little Imp or Chinese Lantern, Little Imp Trailing Abutilon Abutilon megapotanicum This species from Brazil features yellow, dangling flowers suspended from fiery red calyxes. Its gold, mottled leaves and sprawling habit are perfect for baskets or standards. Hardy Zone 9 and higher full sun, grows to 6" in container, trailing in habit, minimum temperature 35°, everbloomer.

Anise Sage (Blue Ensign) Salvia guaranitica Anise Sage (Blue Ensign) Salvia guaranitica This is an herbaceous perennial shrub, three to five feet tall, from a wide geographical region in South America. It blooms from late spring throughout the summer Salvia guaranitica is commonly called anise sage, referring to the scent released from bruised leaves. There are many cultivars; this one has large electric blue flowers with green calyxes and mint green foliage. Anise sage requires a fair amount of sun and soil with good drainage.

Java Plant Clerodendron speciosissimum Java Plant Clerodendron speciosissimum A few common names for this showy plant are Pagoda Flower, Java Plant, and Javanese Glorybower. A native of Indonesia, this semi-woody perennial is a tropical beauty with very large ovate leaves and long spikes of brilliant orange-red flowers. It grows best in moist, well-drained soil in sunny locations, but performs well in less than ideal conditions, even blooming in partial shade. Although not cold hardy, it does return from the roots each spring. This plant grows well next to a wall under the roof overhang. Some people prefer to grow it in a container due to its sligtly invasive nature. It blooms from late spring through the summer.

Bibliography Day, Susan, Ron Rovansek, and Jack Griggs. The Wildlife Gardner's Guide to Hummingbirds and Songbirds from the Tropics. New York: HarperCollins, 2003 Newfield, Nancy L. and Barbara Nielsen. Hummingbird Gardens. Shelburne, VT: Chapters, 1996 Pope, Thomas, Neil Odenwald, and Charles Fryling, Jr. Attracting Birds to Southern Gardens. Dallas: Taylor, 1993 Williamson, Sheri. Attracting and Feeding Hummingbirds. Neptune City, NJ: TFH, 2000

Photo credits: Anise sage from Cliftons' gardens, Abita Springs.