Tag Archives: Plants for Hummingbirds

Horticulture Report: Arbutus unedo ‘compacta’

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arbutus-unedo-compactaPlant Name: Arbutus unedo ‘compacta’
Common Name:  Dwarf Strawberry Tree
Plant type: Evergreen Shrub
Height: 6-8 ft
Spread/Width: 5-6 ft
Bloom Time: Repeating Fall to late winter
Flower Color: White, bell-shaped
Exposure:  Part to Full sun
Soil Requirements: Lean, well-drained soil
Water Needs: Low – Drought tolerant once established
Attributes: Masses of white flowers, Dark glossy green foliage, Cinnamon-colored bark, Edible strawberry-like fruit, , Dwarf plant, Bird friendly
Note: Low maintenance
Uses: Firewise plantings, Waterwise plantings, Privacy Screen, Specimen focal point, Wildlife gardens, Year-round interest, Informal hedge,  Butterfly gardens, Attracts Hummingbirds, Winter interest
Native to: Southern Europe and Ireland
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-9

Horticulture Report: Cobaea scandens

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Plant Name: Cobaea sandenscobaea-scandens
Common Name:  Cup & Saucer Vine
Family: Polemoniaceae
Plant type:  Sub-tropical Vine  (annual below zone 9)
Height:   10-25 feet
Bloom Time: Seasonal (In a greenhouse it flowers year round)
Flower Color: Violet or White
Exposure:  Full Sun
Soil Requirements: Rich, moist, good drainage
Water Needs: Medium
Attributes: Showy Bell Flowers, Fragrant, Attracts Hummingbirds & Butterflies
Note: Mexico native, flowers last 4 days, Circa 1828 ~ RHS Award of Garden Merit
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost.
Uses: Garden wall, Fence and Trellis plant, Container plant with adequate support,
USDA Zone: 9-11

Check your local nurseries and garden center for seeds and/or plants.

Available online at:

Annie’s Annuals http://www.anniesannuals.com/plants/view/?id=269

Select Seeds Seeds & Plants : http://www.selectseeds.com/heirloom-ines/cup_and_saucer_vine_plants.aspx

Seeds: J.L. Hudson, Seedsman http://www.jlhudsonseeds.net/SeedlistCN-CZ.htm

Horticulture Report: Yellow-wax Bells

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Plant Name: Kirengeshoma palmatayellow-wax-bells
Common Name:  Yellow-wax Bells
Plant type:  Herbaceous perennial
Height:   3 -4.5 ft
Bloom Time: Late Summer
Flower Color: Yellow -Bell shaped
Exposure:  Full to Part Shade
Soil Requirements: Humus rich acidic, well-drained soils
Water Needs:  Regular: keep moist
Attributes:  Large Maple-shaped leaves, Clusters of yellow flowers, Pearl-sized buds, Dainty nodding bells, Showy fruit, Year-round interest
Note: Highly prized
Uses:   Mass plantings, Woodland Gardens, Shade Gardens,  Specimen plant, Winter Interest
Native to: Mountainous regions of Japan to Korea
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-8