How to Grow Hummingbird Flower
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Hummingbird Flower
Zauschneria californica
flowerHummingbird flower is a vibrant perennial native to California with tubular red-orange blooms that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Also known as California fuchsia, it produces showy flowers on sprawling, herbaceous stems throughout late summer and fall. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in dry, sunny conditions and requires minimal maintenance once established.
When should you plant Hummingbird Flower in your zone?
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Example Hummingbird Flower timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Hummingbird Flower
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Hummingbird Flower blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hummingbird Flower dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 8b-10, ideal for Mediterranean and desert climates
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Get my Hummingbird Flower timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings with 2-4 true leaves emerge 10-14 days after sowing
Keep soil lightly moist, provide bright light, avoid damping off by ensuring good air circulation
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant develops spreading, herbaceous stems with narrow, lance-shaped gray-green foliage
Reduce watering as plant establishes; encourage spreading growth with minimal intervention
Pre-flowering
2-3 weeksStems elongate and prepare to produce flower buds; plant may appear to slow growth
Continue minimal watering; avoid fertilizing with high nitrogen which delays flowers
Flowering
8-12 weeks (late summer through fall)Brilliant tubular red-orange flowers emerge from branch tips, highly attractive to hummingbirds
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; maintain dry conditions; provide supplemental water only during extreme drought
Dormancy
4-6 months (winter)Plant dies back in winter or becomes semi-dormant; foliage may turn reddish
Minimal watering; in cooler zones, mulch lightly or provide frost protection; prune dead stems in spring
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; use neem oil or insecticidal soap in severe cases; ensure good air circulation
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Yellow sticky traps; spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators
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Spray with water; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; attract beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Improve drainage immediately; reduce watering; remove affected plants if severely infected; ensure soil is well-draining
Uses
Hummingbird Pollinator Plant
WildlifeThe tubular red-orange flowers are specifically adapted to attract hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding species. These plants create wildlife-friendly gardens that support pollinator populations. [source]
Edible Flowers
CulinaryThe flowers can be crystallized or used as garnish for desserts and beverages, adding a delicate floral touch and slight sweetness. [source]
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
HouseholdIdeal for xeriscaping and water-wise garden designs, particularly in arid and Mediterranean climates. Reduces water consumption while maintaining visual appeal. [source]
Native Plant Medicine
MedicinalSome Native American groups traditionally used Zauschneria species for ceremonial and medicinal purposes, though modern medicinal applications are limited. [source]
Cut and Dried Flowers
CraftFlowers can be air-dried for floral arrangements and craft projects, maintaining their vibrant color and adding texture to dried bouquets. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Hummingbird flower is primarily grown for ornamental blooms rather than harvest. Deadhead spent flowers throughout the blooming season to encourage more blooms and extend flowering into fall. Collect seeds in fall by allowing flowers to mature and dry on the plant; seeds are tiny and numerous.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Hummingbird flowers are specifically co-evolved with hummingbirds, as evidenced by their tubular shape that fits the hummingbird's long beak and the bright red color that hummingbirds can see distinctly.
- 🌱 The plant was given its scientific name 'californica' because it is native to California and the southwestern United States, where it grows wild in dry, rocky areas.
- 🌱 Despite its delicate appearance, hummingbird flower is remarkably tough and can thrive on virtually no supplemental water once established, making it one of the most drought-tolerant ornamental flowering plants available.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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