Dicliptera suberecta (Hummingbird Plant) is one of the few perennials from Uruguay that we stock...makes you wonder what else might be there. The felty grey leaves, which are a great contrast in the garden, adorn this 20" tall x 3' wide, heat and drought-loving clump topped from late spring until fall with an abundance of terminal clusters of tubular orange flowers...a hummingbird's dream come true...ours also. So far, we've seen Hummingbird Plant survive cold to 15 degrees and sources on the internet suggest it to be hardy in Zones 7-10. In zones 7 and 8 it may die back during colder winters to then reemerge strong in spring. We've successfully grown this plant in both full sun and light shade. If attracting hummingbirds is one of your goals this plant is a must for your garden.

Planting and Care

Choose a spot in five hours or more of sun. Can be grown in the ground or in pots. Well-drained soil is a must.

Enhance soil with compost, such as Claycutter, Mushroom Compost or Composted Cow Manure.

Water regularly until established but be careful not to over-water as Dicliptera does not like wet feet.

Once established and for best bloom production, fertilize every 6 weeks during the warm season with a good flower food or Milorganite.

If plant dies back during winter dead growth may be removed and a light coat of mulch applied.