8 Ways to Attract Hummingbirds

8 Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds

For the Hummingbird lover, ways to attract the delicate little bird are always on your mind. There are certain flowers you can plant that will attract the hummers so they choose your garden over your neighbors. Because of the birds’ long bills, long trumpet shaped flowers or a flower which has a tapered shape are best suited for their needs. The birds are attracted to flowers which have bright, rich colors. Red is the preferred color but hummingbirds are attracted to other bright colors as well.

Also, if you use native plants, the hummingbirds are more familiar with them. For you, the benefits of a native plant are the plant thrives with minimal care. Plus, if you think about choosing plants with repeat blooming or a long bloom time then that plant becomes a reliable source of food. When you mix together a diverse amount of flowers in your garden, then the garden supplies ample food for the birds through the spring, summer and fall.

Below is a list of tried and true plants, seven which are perennials, which hummingbirds will dive into:

1.      Bee Balm will grow in zones 4-9 and is a perennial.Bee balm is also known as bergamot, horsemint, and monarda

The plant has full spikes as well as a spherical shape which helps to attract the birds. This is an attractive plant and does well in full sun and will grow to a height of 12-36 inches.

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2.      Cardinal flower can be grown in zones 2-9 and is also called lobelia. The stalks of the flower are long and can grow up to 48 inches. It grows best if the soil is moist and well drained. The flowers are a rich shade of red with a delicate shape.

This flower not only attracts hummingbirds but it an attractive flower for use in landscaping.

3.      Salvia has tall spikes of delicate small flowers that range from mauve to pink to purple and blue. Salvia is related to the mint family and starts to bloom mid-summer and continues to bloom throughout into late summer.

It grows back bigger each year and loves full sun.

4.      The Bleeding Heart has dangling heart-shaped flowers which come in either white or pink.

This plant grows well in zones 2-9 and in lightly shaded spots. The height can be between 24-36 inches tall and can be transplanted by division which makes the plant easy to spread throughout your garden.

5.      The Butterfly Bush can be grown in zones 5-10 and attracts butterflies by the droves. The flowers are grown in elongated clusters in pink or purple shades and blooms from mid-summer through fall.

It tolerates drought well, thrives in full sun and will turn into a thick full shrub over a period of time.

6.      The Trumpet Creeper or Trumpet Vine will grow in zones 4-10 but can be invasive so watch where you plant it. It climbs easily across many surfaces and has dense foliage.

The long tubular flowers draw hummingbirds with orange, red or yellow blooms and it will grow in full sun or partial shade.

7.      Columbine is an elegant delicate looking flower and is ideal for hummingbirds. The flowers come in shades of blue, pink and purple and grow in zones 3-8.

It grows very well in partial shade and can reach heights of 20 inches tall.

8.      Finally, for gardeners who have limited space or would like something different for their fence or wall, there’s the HummingbirdGarden Kit. This all-in-one kit makes luring hummers to drop by your house simple, easy and fun. You plant the beautiful wave petunias; we send petunias in colors that will attract the jeweled beauties, in the hangout planter. Then you add the dirt, water it, add the fertilizer stick, hang it and you’re good to go. Hummingbirds are attracted to the bright and colorful petunias and will be fluttering around your planter before you know it.

This all-in-one kit makes luring hummers to drop by your house simple, easy and fun. You plant the beautiful wave petunias; we send petunias (plants, not seeds!)  in colors that will attract the jeweled beauties, in the hangout planter.

Shown with Vinca minor.

Then you add the dirt, water it, add the fertilizer stick, hang it and you’re good to go. Hummingbirds are attracted to the bright and colorful petunias and will be fluttering around your planter before you know it.

Shown with Petunias.

Attracting Hummingbirds to your gardens isn’t difficult and the time spent watching them is both fun and relaxing. Invest in some plants today and make your garden a Hummingbird Haven.

Give Mom the New! Rising Sun... a one of a kind Redbud for her special day!

Flowers fade but a tree last Mom a lifetime!

Buy Mom a Redbud Ruby Falls for Mothers Day

New Redbud Ruby Falls

The gorgeous Cascading Redbud 'Ruby Falls'.

We challenge you to describe it!

The NEW cascading Redbud 'Ruby Falls' exhibits an excellent branching structure. The weeping tree reaches a moderate height of 4 to 6 feet and a spread 6 to 8 feet. Ruby Falls blooms profusely in early spring with clusters of tiny hot pink rose-purple, pea-like flowers before the foliage emerges. Flowers are attractive to hummingbirds (and other birds as well), butterflies and bees.

The rich, purple, heart-shaped leaves open bright ruby-purple in spring, then gradually mature to deep purple, and ultimately change to a burgundy green in the warmest climates as the season progresses. The weeping branches on the 'Ruby Falls' gives it a very different color effect than the 'Forest Pansy' redbud. The overlapping leaves weeping down the tree give it a three-tone effect - reddish purple the new leaves, purple the older leaves, and finally the burgundy-green color on the innermost leaves.An absolutely stunning tree that will spotlight your garden. Fall color on this deciduous ornamental is yellow until leaf drop in early winter.
If elegance is part of the look you are trying to achieve in your garden, then 'Ruby Falls' is a must. Rarely are plants as well suited to be a specimen or garden feature plant as well as the elegance and small stature of 'Ruby Falls'.
The cultivar benefits from an exposure of partial sun to shade and is easily grown in a range of well-drained soil types. Careful not to overwater as it does not like wet feet.
Try it in a border and add that special something! You'll be the envy of your neighbors.
NOTE: The 'Ruby Falls'  is in high demand and and has limited availability. It sells out quickly. Please put in your order as soon as possible to avoid the disappointment of being sold out.

Yes, I want a Ruby Falls before they are sold out. Click on this link.

Bihou Japanese Maple

Bihou Japanese Maple

Bihou translates into “beautiful mountain range”. The Bihou Japanese Maple tree is a gorgeous little tree. It grows between 6-10 feet high and grows upright. The average width is between 4’-6’, so it will fit well in small spaces. The Japanese Bihou Japanese Maple has leaves which appear in the spring as chartreuse edged in red. The leaves then turn a delicate shade of medium green for summer. In the fall, yellow leaves blend with orange for a truly lovely display. But, believe it or not, for the Bihou Japanese Maple the true breathtaking display is in winter. The bark of the tree turns orange and yellow and glows with color against the dull winter landscape.

The Bihou Japanese Maple prefers sun to partial shade. It can be grown in Zones 6-9. It enjoys morning sun, evening sun, dappled light and filtered shade. The Bihou Japanese Maple likes its soil well drained. It’s resistant to deer and heat. With this tree in your yard, it will attract visual attention as well.

This lovely little tree is perfect along woodland borders. Bihou Japanese Maple can also be used for focal point, to frame the corners of your home, or in a theme garden. The Bihou Japanese Maple breathes life into small spaces with its delicate, colorful beauty. Plan to plant one in area of your choice, we have Bihou Japanese Maple trees in stock today!

I would like to purchase a Bihou Japanese Maple

The American Elm, Tree of the Future

The American Elm, Tree of the Future

If you are a gardener, you plant for the future. Every time you put a seed, bulb, plant or tree into the ground, you’re putting your belief in something special’s future growth and development. You understand with perennials, for example, they may spread and grow long after you’re gone. So why not invest in an American Elm, a tree for the future?

History of the American Elm

When the early settlers first came to America, they discovered the American Elm tree. Through trial and err, they found its extremely hard and durable wood could be used both for lumber and furniture making. The wood was flexible enough, when steamed and bent, to even be used to make rocking chairs, barrels and wheel hoops. The Native Americans in the area also used the American Elm to build canoes for their forays on the water.

Unfortunately, in the 1930’s, beetles infected the American Elm with Dutch Elm Disease, a deadly fungus. When the fungus enters the tree, it reproduces in the parts of the tree which conduct water to the stems and branches. The fungus works by blocking water movement to the leaves of the tree. Consequently, the leaves wilt and die. This nasty fungus can kill a mature tree of 100 feet within a time span of two or four years. Also because of the shallow root system where the roots of other elms can touch in the American Elm, Dutch Elm Disease can spread to other elms very easily. So the American Elm was almost wiped out.

Facts about the American Elm

The American Elm is a beautiful majestic tree. It’s a fast growing tree and can reach up to 100 feet in height. The width of a mature elm in its glorious branches is almost as wide. An elm at the height of its maturity can have a trunk span of almost 7 feet around. It has a shape like an urn, with a spreading crown of symmetrical branches at the top. The bark is an interesting feature, dark grayish brown in color with many broad ridges and unique diamond ahead fissures. The leaf of on an American Elm is about 3-5 inches long. It has double serrated margins, 1 to 3 inches wide and has about 15 pairs of veins. The front of the leaf is green and smooth to the touch, while the underside is pale and has a downy feel to it. The American Elm does have fruit which develops in clusters on long brown stems. The seed from the elm is oblong with notches at the peak and it’s covered in a papery skin. An American Elm prefers a PH of 5.5 to 8.0 and rich, well-drained soil. However, it will also grow in compacted soil or soil which is poorly drained and in full sun or part shade. It does like wetlands and moist areas but will adapt and thrive in urban conditions. It will grow in Zones 2 through 9.

A New Future

Although the damage to the American Elm was massive and almost wiped the species out, there is hope. The Princeton American Elm is breathing new life back into the species. DNA tests have shown the Princeton Elm has come from a 280 year old American Elm tree. This tree is in the Princeton cemetery and Vice President Aaron Burr rests beneath it. This American Elm is highly resistant to the Dutch Elm disease. The Princeton is also resistant to the elm leaf beetle, another pest. So there have been cuttings taken to start new elm trees to spread the American Elm. A cutting is used because the Princeton Elms’ genetic resistance can be passed down through the lineage. If seedlings are used, there is a chance the resistance wouldn’t be passed down otherwise. The Princeton has the beautiful American Elm urn shape and has the best form of all the Ulmus cultivars.

What can you do?

You can plant an American Elm tree for the future. These trees are extremely large so give it plenty of room. If you plant several, space them 20-50 feet apart. Use 3-6 inches of organic mulch to help maintain moisture levels. Avoid placing the mulch against the tree truck so the tree doesn’t rot. Prune the tree once a year and remove dead or dying branches when the tree is young. As the tree matures, prune it less and don’t prune it all during growing season. Use the correct fertilizer and if you’re not sure what that is, ask a professional.

Gardeners are the caretakers of the past and the guardians of the future. Please do your part by making sure this beautiful tree is here for generations to come.

Osmanthus Fragrans - Fragrant Tea Olive, Sweet Olive

Osmanthus Fragrans

Common Names: Sweet Olive, Fragrant Tea Olive.

Small creamy-orange flowers of this delightful legendary plant from China fill the air with a rare perfume that surrounds you and penetrates deep into your heart, bringing a touch of floral mystery. The allure of tea made with Osmanthus blossoms is perfect for those times when you want something seductive yet satisfying.

Osmanthus is one of the 10 famous flowers in China and Taiwan. A traditional symbol of Love and Romance, Osmanthus was used in old wedding customs in Taiwan, when the bride prepared Sweet Osmanthus and Pomegranate pot plants and carried them to her new family. The fragrant plant symbolized True Love and Faithfulness and the fruit tree - Fertility and Peace, and the custom had the meaning of "giving birth to noble children" and "many children and many grandchildren".

For modern people the plant is still very much welcomed. Slow growing and easy in cultivation, Osmanthus makes a good container plant. In the ground it can grow into a small tree or shrub that will take a wide range of conditions, from full sun to shade, requires minimum care and is relatively cold hardy at least to zones 8-9.

Osmanthus fragrans, or Sweet Olive (Tea Olive), belongs to Olive Family (Oleaceae) along with numerous jasmines. It is evergreen tree or shrub with a moderate growth rate, native to China. It has glossy dark green leaves 2"x-4" with toothed edges and small 0.5" flowers usually hidden by foliage, with a strong apricot-like fragrance that can be smelled from a distance.

The plant prefers reasonably good soil, but is adaptable to different kinds of soil, including sandy and alkaline. Young plant needs regular watering and once established, little water is required and the plant will thrive well almost with neglect. The tree may be pruned to maintain size or formed as a smaller shrub, and to encourage branching.

Plant Sweet Olive where its lovely fragrance can be enjoyed, wherever there is foot traffic near windows, doors or by outdoor sitting areas. Keep it in a pot if you have limited space, and provide just a little care and Love. This slow growing Plant of Romance is very long-lived and will lighten your winters for a very long time.

Sweet Olive is especially valued as an additive for tea and other beverages in the Far East. The Chinese discovered that the Osmanthus can be used to enhance the natural fruitiness of some of their finest green and black teas. The result is similar to fine jasmine tea (flavored with Jasminum sambac) but lighter and much fruitier. The leaves from the osmanthus are sometimes mixed in with partially fermented green tea to produce a lovely aromatic tea. Osmanthus flowers used to scent tea are known as Kwei Hwa (Kwei Hua).

A scented tea can be made by adding into regular black or green tea a small amount of dried flowers of Osmanthus and Jasmine. The jar with this mix should be sealed for a few weeks, and then used for brew.

Osmanthus blossom scented tea with fresh flower petals has an unforgettable scent that can just draw you into feeling a bit drunk...

Medicinal Use:

Osmanthus fragrans flowers (know as Gui Hua, or Kwei Hwa) are widely used in Chinese medicine. There are many medical products made out of sweet osmanthus buds, leaves and bark. They are said to protect against coughs and used to flavor other medicines, and in cosmetics for the hair and skin.

A decoction of the stem bark is used in the treatment of boils, carbuncles etc. A decoction of the lateral roots is used in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea, rheumatism, bruises etc. An essential oil obtained from the flowers is used as an insect repellent for clothes. They are also added to herbal medicines in order to disguise obnoxious flavors.

Both the blossoms and the leaves of this plant are used in the production of some of the world's rarest and most expensive perfumes. Because of its scarcity Osmaunthus Absolute oil is very expensive, up to $3000 per lb, and its use in commercial perfumery is restricted to small quantities.

The Osmanthus scent is often referred to as "the Perfume of Perfumes" due to its pure and intoxicating floral redolence. The fruity notes are a bouquet in themselves as they partake of apricot, plum and raisins. Its most intense aroma is floating and dancing on whispers of breeze, touching the hearts with nostalgia and remembrance of things past.

The Osmanthus flower itself is simply radiant, and some perfumery experts admit that there is not any other perfume that so perfectly catches the beauty of the flower and call it "the reminiscence of a Chinese garden".

Osmanthus perfumes are delightfully fruity, floral fragrances - and yet supremely sophisticated and elegant, rendering the delicacy of the distant land and the mysteries of its most prized flower...

What Are Other's Saying:

"Mine is blooming now. One of the most wonderfully powerful fragrances I've ever had the pleasure of smelling. Year in and out, always incredible. How can such small orange flowers put out such a massive scent? When it's in bloom, everyone in the area knows it, even if you can't really see the flowers unless you're standing beside the shrub/tree. Mine is about 8-10 ft high. I do prune it to keep it from getting too wide, but I don't try to control the height. Absolutely bullet proof: no problems of any kind and no drought or winter has changed its appearance or hardiness an iota. No supplemental watering period, ever." (From Birmingham, AL)

Don’t miss an opportunity to inhale the heady aroma of fresh osmanthus flowers. It is one of the true delights of the Earth.

DESCRIPTION:

Height: 8-15 ft.

Flowers: Late Winter/Early Spring, Late Summer/Early Fall, Blooms repeatedly.

Bloom Color: Coral/Apricot, Orange.

Foliage: Evergreen, Aromatic, Smooth-Textured.

This plant may be attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds. Flowers are VERY fragrant.

Sun Exposure: Sun to Partial Shade.

Irrigation: Water regularly; do not overwater. This plant is suitable for growing indoors.