Accentuate Your Garden with a Hummingbird Vine

The Hummingbird Vine is often called this because of its ability to attract just about any species of hummingbird to it with its rich orange color, probably in the appealing color range of these birds. Their content of the sweet nectar may not be as high as some other flowering vines or flowers.

These vine growing flowers also provide much needed shelter for hummingbirds that most other plants cannot unless they are similar in growth as this one is. The thick growing canopy of vines become a haven for hummingbirds as squirrels, cats, large birds and other prey may find it difficult to penetrate its interior.

Hummingbird vine is most known for its more common name as the "Trumpet Vine." Whether "hummingbird vine" is a misnomer or not, one can see why it would be referred to as such. This deciduous annual vine will go dormant in the winter if there is one. Otherwise it will flourish abundantly on one's fence all too well.

Constant pruning and deadheading can be a nuisance to those who want a simple garden. These quick growing vines will grow up to 20 feet high if they are allowed. A single vine will grow out just as much as it is high. Similar in growing patterns as the honeysuckle vines, the hummingbird "trumpet" vine will produce trumpet shaped florets from as early as spring to as late as fall.

Dependant on when your plant your vine, this particular plant can take up to as much as four to five years before ever showing signs of any flower show. This sort of patience goes hand in hand with growing berry producing bushes, too.

Unlike many other flowers in your gardens, the trumpet vine will only need a neutral soil. Spreading out fertilizer may only have negative results in producing any flowers or added growth to this sun lover. The dark green leaves and vines are tough and rough to the touch.

For a thicker growth, spacing your trumpet vines no closer than nine (9) inches is advisable. Two to three feet apart will keep it from taking over with fewer plants to manage. Some people like to start their seedlings indoors during the winter, which is quite okay.

This will allow you to see how they will fair during the summer if you like your home hot in the winter. Just make sure they get lots of light. Be careful to keep these plants away from children and pets. They are very poisonous.

Growing any vine in partial shade is okay. Just remember that they will grow much better in full-sun. Trumpet vines also are not just orange in color. Because the orange is in the color range that hummingbirds are more attracted to, this does not mean that they will not venture over to lighter colored flowers.

The hummingbird vine does come in other colors. Pink, white and pale white are not rare, but are less sought after for a hummingbird garden. Sometimes you can find red trumpet vines. This one is bought up quicker than all the other colors combined.

Also, hummingbirds are not the only birds attracted to these vines. Small birds such as finches and chickadees like to make nests in them for protection, too. Bees and butterflies will also come around for the sweet taste of this flower's nectar.

Keep the soil moist and from drying out too often. Water helps the hummingbird vice produce its nectar for nature to enjoy. Take care in pruning back this vine as it can easily die if too much is cut back. Remember the 1/3 rule in pruning. Never cut back more than a third of any plant so that it may have a chance to survive.

Sources:

Personal Experience,
http://www.ehow.com/how_2105393_grow-hummingbird-vine.html,
http://www.virtualplanttags.com/vpt.asp?pID=5571&co=410087&cID=490&pr=1,
http://www.seedsofknowledge.com/trumpetvine.html