Hummingbird Plants and Trees

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, andDrew C. McLean

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, andDrew C. McLean

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides a detailed overview of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, commonly known as kalanchoe, Christmas kalanchoe, or Madagascar widow’s-thrill. It describes the plant’s characteristics, including its dark green, succulent leaves, and vibrant flower clusters. The document highlights its suitability for various uses such as groundcover, rock gardens, and containers, due to its tolerance of low moisture conditions. Additionally, it outlines the plant’s growth requirements, propagation methods, and potential issues, making it a comprehensive guide for gardeners and horticulturists interested in cultivating this ornamental perennial. Original publication date October 1999.

Edward F. Gilman, Terry Delvalle, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the firespike plant (Odontonema strictum), an herbaceous perennial known for its striking red flowers that bloom in fall and winter. It details the plant’s physical characteristics, including its height, leaf structure, and growth habits. The document also discusses the plant’s preferred growing conditions, such as partial shade and moderately fertile, sandy soils, and its moderate drought tolerance. Additionally, it highlights the plant’s uses in landscaping, its attractiveness to hummingbirds and butterflies, and its propagation methods. The document concludes with practical advice on planting, spacing, and maintenance. Original publication date October 1999. 

Edward F. Gilman, Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, andRyan Klein

Buttonbush is a Florida native deciduous shrub with attractive leaves, showy globe-shaped flowers which attract pollinators, and bright-red fruit. This is an excellent plant for wooded areas or near the riparian zone.

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides a detailed overview of the scarlet rosemallow (Hibiscus coccineus), a herbaceous perennial native to Florida. It describes the plant’s physical characteristics, including its height, leaf structure, and vibrant red flowers. The document also covers its growth requirements, such as light and soil preferences, and its uses in landscaping. Additionally, it mentions the plant’s propagation methods and potential pest issues. The scarlet rosemallow is noted for its ornamental value and ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Original publication date October 1999.

Edward F. Gilman, Alan Meerow, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the firebush (Hamelia patens), a large, soft-stemmed shrub native to Florida. It details the plant’s physical characteristics, including its height, spread, and distinctive orange-red flowers. The firebush is noted for its fast growth rate, evergreen leaves, and year-round flowering. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11 and is tolerant of various soil types and conditions. The document also highlights the plant’s uses in landscaping, its attractiveness to hummingbirds and butterflies, and its moderate drought tolerance. Additionally, it discusses propagation methods and potential pest issues.  Original publication date October 1999.

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the cigar flower (Cuphea ignea), highlighting its year-round flowering, attractive foliage, and suitability for various landscape uses. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its height, spread, growth rate, and leaf and flower features. The document also covers the plant’s hardiness zones, planting recommendations, and care instructions, emphasizing its moderate drought tolerance and pest resistance. Additionally, it notes the plant’s ability to attract hummingbirds and its availability in specialty garden centers. Original publication date October 1999.

Edward F. Gilman, Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, andRyan Klein

Agapanthus has strap-like leaves and clusters of large blue or white flowers funnel-shaped flowers, which atop long flower stalks. It is attractive to pollinators and can be used in the landscape in a variety of ways.

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), a native vine known for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped crimson flowers that attract hummingbirds. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its growth habits, hardiness zones, and soil tolerances. The document also covers planting and care instructions, highlighting its suitability for sunny locations and its moderate drought tolerance. Additionally, it mentions the plant’s propagation methods and available cultivars, along with common pests and diseases that may affect it. Overall, trumpet honeysuckle is presented as an excellent choice for naturalizing and adding ornamental value to gardens. Original publication date October 2007.

Edward F. Gilman, Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, andRyan Klein

Butterfly weed is a Florida native milkweed species with yellow, orange, or red flowers borne on clusters above the foliage. It is a larval host plant for monarch butterflies and their relatives. It is well suited for pollinator gardens, containers, mass plantings, for naturalizing landscapes, or utilized as cut flowers in arrangements.

Edward F. Gilman, Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, andRyan Klein

This document provides an overview of the trumpet vine (Campsis radicans), a fast-growing, deciduous vine native to Florida. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its brilliant orange flowers, high drought tolerance, and invasive potential. The trumpet vine thrives in full sun and various soil types but requires regular pruning to manage its growth. It is suitable for arbors, trellises, and containers, attracting hummingbirds and occasionally hosting ants. The document also mentions several cultivars and common issues like leaf spot and powdery mildew. Original publication date October 1999.