Hummingbird bush is a shrub that can be found in many gardens. It is a beautiful plant that attracts hummingbirds. The hummingbird bush has long, thin leaves and blooms in the summer. The flowers are white or pink and have a long tube. The hummingbird bush is native to North America.
Related plant:
Clethra Alnifolia Hummingbird
Related plant:
Clethra Hummingbird
About soil condition, the Hummingbird Bush prefers well-drained soils, but it is not overly fussy about soil type. It will grow in sandy soils, loamy soils, or even clay soils, as long as the soil is not waterlogged. The plant is also tolerant of salt and can be grown near the coast.
Just like other plants, the hummingbird bush needs sunlight to grow. But, this plant is a little different because it needs less sunlight than most other plants. The hummingbird bush can grow in shady areas, as long as it gets some sun.
The temperature condition necessary for a hummingbird bush to thrive is warm weather. This plant grows best in hot, sunny conditions and does not tolerate cold very well. If the temperature gets too cold, the leaves of the bush will turn brown and drop off.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will dry out and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will yellow and the plant will become stunted.
Regarding fertilizer, usually the plant doesn't need much. If you notice the leaves turning yellow, you can give it a light fertilizer. As for the roots, they like to be snug in the pot, so don't pot it up too often.
Pruning your hummingbird bush is important to keep it looking its best. You can prune it in the spring or fall. Start by removing any dead or dying branches. Next, cut back any branches that are longer than the others. Finally, cut back any branches that are rubbing against each other.
Propagation can be done either by seed or by taking semi-ripe cuttings in late summer. Sow seed in moist well-drained seed compost at a temperature of 18-21°C (64-70°F) in late spring or early summer. Place the seed on the surface of the compost and press down lightly. Do not cover the seed as it needs light to germinate. Alternatively, take cuttings of new growth in late summer and insert them into moist well-drained soil or compost.
Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the climate. The average growth rate is about one foot per year. However, in warmer climates, the growth rate can be as high as three feet per year. In cooler climates, the growth rate may be as low as six inches per year.
Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves may turn yellow and drop off, the stems may become weak and break, and the flowers may not bloom. These problems are usually caused by over-watering, under-feeding, or too much sun. To fix these problems, water the plant less, fertilize it more, and move it to a shadier spot.
Source:
Hummingbirds | Smithsonian's National Zoo
Hummingbirds in the Garden Wisconsin Horticulture
Hummingbirds and Fruit Flies - Penn State Extension
