Red Trumpets | The Hummingbird Corner is Heralding Summer

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It is difficult to find sunny locations in my backyard. Abundant native oaks and shade from the house and fence reduce the area that I have to plant sun loving plants. On the west side of the house I have planted an area of red trumpets next to my herb garden.

The hummingbird corner is planted with 

• First to bloom, Cypress vine
• Flame Anisacanthus 
• Turk's cap
• Cuphea

Not yet blooming 

• Texas Salvia
• Pineapple sage 
• Dwarf Pomegranate

Turk's cap, Texas native and tolerates shade as well as sun.

Texas Salvia

Bat face Cuphea

Cuphea

Dwarf Pomegranate

©  Grassroots Horticulture

2019

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Turk's Cap

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It's hard not to like this native

Attracting Hummingbirds

Texas Mallow, Mexican Apple, Sleeping Hibiscus, Bleeding Hearts, Manzanita (Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii)

This spreading perennial or shrub grows to a height of 2-3 ft. It has bright-red (sometimes pink or white), pendant, hibiscus-like flowers. Their petals overlap to form a loose tube with the staminal column protruding and is said to resemble a Turkish turban, hence its most common name, Turk's Cap. 

Turk's cap (Malvaviscus drummondii)

Drought tolerant. Prefers partially shady sites. Under cultivation, Turk’s Cap will adapt to and thrive in many different sites, including full sun and heavy soil, though unremitting sun will cause its leaves to become smaller and somewhat distorted.

Turk's cap (Malvaviscus drummondii)

                                                                       

Turk's cap (Malvaviscus drummondii), pink

Turk's cap, seed pod

edible

The Hummingbird plants, just left of this bed are set to rebloom. There will be a vivid show of red flowers this fall. The Turk's cap continue to bloom and produce red pods. Several white blooming, lovely scented, abelias continue to attract swallowtail butterfly. 

Hummingbird bush ready to rebloom
and Turk's cap setting beautiful red pods.

Bibliography________________________________

• George, Mary L. W. Hummingbird Foraging Behavior and Pollination Energetics of Malvaviscus Arboreus. , 1980. Print.
• Miller, Richard S, and Richard E. Miller. "Feeding Activity and Color Preference of Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds." The Condor. 73.3 (1971): 309-313. Print.
• Schneck, Marcus. Creating a Hummingbird Garden: A Guide to Attracting and Identifying Hummingbird Visitors. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1993. Print.
• STILES, F. G. 1976. Taste preferences, color preferences and flower choice in hummingbirdsß Condor 78: 10-26.

                                                

Grassroots Horticulture

2019

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