Hummingbird Trumpet

Hummingbird Trumpet, known botanically as Epilobium canum or Zauschneria californica, is a perennial shrub native to the western United States. This plant is particularly cherished for its vibrant flowers and attraction to hummingbirds, as well as its drought tolerance and adaptability to various garden settings.

One of the most striking features of the Hummingbird Trumpet is its abundance of bright red or orange, trumpet-shaped flowers. These blooms are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, as the shape and nectar content of the flowers are ideally suited to these birds. The flowering season typically lasts from late summer through fall, providing a long-lasting display of color and activity in the garden.

The foliage of the Hummingbird Trumpet is also noteworthy, with narrow, green leaves that can be slightly fuzzy. The leaves are arranged along the stems, which can be somewhat sprawling, giving the plant a relaxed and natural appearance.

This plant is well-suited for use in native plant gardens, xeriscaping, and as an addition to pollinator gardens. Its vibrant flowers and attractiveness to hummingbirds make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to support local wildlife.

The Hummingbird Trumpet thrives in well-drained soil and is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for regions with dry climates. It prefers full sun, where it produces the most abundant and vibrant blooms. This plant is also known for its adaptability and can be grown in a variety of soil types.

Overall, the Hummingbird Trumpet is valued for its showy flowers, ability to attract hummingbirds, and ease of care. Its long blooming season and adaptability to various garden settings make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add color and life to their outdoor spaces.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Hummingbird Trumpet

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and flowering)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 1.5-2 feet apart for optimal growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Hummingbird Trumpet grows upright and requires no staking; it produces tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Hummingbird Trumpet is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant for deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks