Hummingbird Plant

Growing hummingbird plants is about as easy as it gets. Plant this drought-tolerant, heat-loving plant in full sunlight and well-drained soil, then sit back and watch the show as hummingbirds flock from near and far. It isn't unusual to see several hummers on a single plant.

This Plant’s Flowers Are Shaped Like the Cutest Hummingbirds

 

Hummingbirds are small, but mighty creatures. If you’ve worked your magic on attracting hummingbirds to your yard with a beautiful red feeder and homemade sugar syrup, here’s an added bonus for your outdoor paradise: A plant with hummingbird-shaped flowers.

Called a green birdflower or regal birdflower, this stunning plant belongs to the legume family (hello, chickpeas and alfalfa). Scientifically known as Crotalaria cunninghamii, named after the 19th century botanist Allan Cunningham, the small green shrub is native to Northern Australia. According to the Australian Native Plants Society, aboriginal people often used the plant's sap to treat eye infections.

Looking directly at the entire plant, it’s as if a dozen green hummingbirds gathered together to enjoy a feast of flower nectar—beautifully suspended in mid-air.

And when holding one of these flowers in your hands, it's easy to think it's the real thing.

A green birdflower is most commonly found in sand dunes and in Mulga communities, defined as plants that "capture, retain and cycle precious sediments, nutrients and water." If you can't wait to grow one of your own, know that this unique plant thrives best in hot climates in sandy, well-drained soil with plenty of sunshine.

Although these hummingbird-shaped flowers originate from Australia, plant lovers can easily purchase seeds on Etsy and Amazon. Once the hard seedcoat has blossomed, you'll be able to admire this one-of-a-kind plant all summer long.

Growing Hummingbird Plants: What Does A Hummingbird Plant Look Like Hummingbird Plant By: Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer Printer Friendly Version Image by rjhyden Also known as Uruguayan firecracker plant, or firecracker flower, Dicliptera hummingbird plant (Dicliptera suberecta) is a sturdy, ornamental plant that delights hummingbirds with its bright blooms from late spring until the first frost in autumn. Keep reading to learn more. What Does a Hummingbird Plant Look Like? Hummingbird plants are bushy plants that reach heights of 2 feet, with a spread of about 3 feet. The velvety leaves and stems are an attractive shade of grayish-green. Masses of bright, reddish-orange flowers at stem tips are upright and tube-shaped, making it easy for hummingbirds to reach the sweet nectar. This adaptable perennial is suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 and above. In cooler climates, grow hummingbird plant as an annual. It is suitable for containers, hanging baskets, flower beds or borders. How to Grow Dicliptera Growing hummingbird plants is about as easy as it gets. Plant this drought-tolerant, heat-loving plant in full sunlight and well-drained soil, then sit back and watch the show as hummingbirds flock from near and far. It isn’t unusual to see several hummers on a single plant. Hummingbird plant is also attractive to other beneficial pollinators, including butterflies and honeybees. Hummingbird Plant Care Hummingbird plant is a hardy, indestructible plant that thrives on neglect. Although the plant likes dry soil, it benefits from occasional water during hot, dry weather. No fertilizer is required. If you’re growing the hummingbird plant as a perennial, cut the plant nearly to the ground after blooming ends in autumn. The plant will lie dormant for the winter, but will burst forth better than ever when temperatures rise in spring. Hummingbird plant is resistant to most pests and diseases, although the plant may rot in soggy, poorly drained soil. Deer tend to leave this plant alone, probably because of the fuzzy foliage.

Read more at Gardening Know How: Growing Hummingbird Plants: What Does A Hummingbird Plant Look Like https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hummingbird-plant/growing-hummingbird-plants.htm

Growing Hummingbird Plants: What Does A Hummingbird Plant Look Like Hummingbird Plant By: Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer Printer Friendly Version Image by rjhyden Also known as Uruguayan firecracker plant, or firecracker flower, Dicliptera hummingbird plant (Dicliptera suberecta) is a sturdy, ornamental plant that delights hummingbirds with its bright blooms from late spring until the first frost in autumn. Keep reading to learn more. What Does a Hummingbird Plant Look Like? Hummingbird plants are bushy plants that reach heights of 2 feet, with a spread of about 3 feet. The velvety leaves and stems are an attractive shade of grayish-green. Masses of bright, reddish-orange flowers at stem tips are upright and tube-shaped, making it easy for hummingbirds to reach the sweet nectar. This adaptable perennial is suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 and above. In cooler climates, grow hummingbird plant as an annual. It is suitable for containers, hanging baskets, flower beds or borders. How to Grow Dicliptera Growing hummingbird plants is about as easy as it gets. Plant this drought-tolerant, heat-loving plant in full sunlight and well-drained soil, then sit back and watch the show as hummingbirds flock from near and far. It isn’t unusual to see several hummers on a single plant. Hummingbird plant is also attractive to other beneficial pollinators, including butterflies and honeybees. Hummingbird Plant Care Hummingbird plant is a hardy, indestructible plant that thrives on neglect. Although the plant likes dry soil, it benefits from occasional water during hot, dry weather. No fertilizer is required. If you’re growing the hummingbird plant as a perennial, cut the plant nearly to the ground after blooming ends in autumn. The plant will lie dormant for the winter, but will burst forth better than ever when temperatures rise in spring. Hummingbird plant is resistant to most pests and diseases, although the plant may rot in soggy, poorly drained soil. Deer tend to leave this plant alone, probably because of the fuzzy foliage.

Read more at Gardening Know How: Growing Hummingbird Plants: What Does A Hummingbird Plant Look Like https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hummingbird-plant/growing-hummingbird-plants.htm