Dicliptera
suberecta (Hummingbird Plant) is one of
the few perennials from Uruguay that we
stock...makes you wonder what else might
be there. The felty grey leaves, which are
a great contrast in the garden, adorn this
20" tall x 3' wide, heat and drought-loving
clump topped from late spring until fall
with an abundance of terminal clusters of
tubular orange flowers...a hummingbird's
dream come true...ours also. So far, we've
seen Hummingbird Plant survive cold to 15
degrees and sources on the internet suggest
it to be hardy in Zones
7-10. In zones 7 and 8 it may die back
during colder winters to then reemerge strong
in spring. We've successfully grown this
plant in both full sun and light shade.
If attracting hummingbirds is one of your
goals this plant is a must for your garden.
Planting
and Care
Choose
a spot in five hours or more of sun. Can
be grown in the ground or in pots. Well-drained
soil is a must.
Enhance
soil with compost, such as Claycutter, Mushroom
Compost or Composted Cow Manure.
Water
regularly until established but be careful
not to over-water as Dicliptera does not
like wet feet.
Once
established and for best bloom production,
fertilize every 6 weeks during the warm
season with a good flower food or Milorganite.
If
plant dies back during winter dead growth
may be removed and a light coat of mulch
applied.
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