Red Canadian Honeysuckle

12 years ago

I've read that this is a rich nectar source, equivalent to sugar at 2:1. It's said to attract hummingbirds. Mine is just starting to bloom, but I can't see it from the house.

Anyone else have this? And if so, do the hummers like it?

I'm thinking about planting a bunch more, well everywhere there's a bare spot in front of a window. I planted a lot of Monarda this year, but they don't bloom til July. I need something hummers want in my front windows for May and June.

What do you think?

Also, what about heuchera? Has anyone seen hummers visiting this?

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Comments (6)

Robert (zone 7a, Oklahoma)
12 years ago
Are you referring to Lonicera sempervirens?
If so I suggest the cultivar 'Major Wheeler'.
The hummers love it!

My 'Firefly' Heucheras are blooming their heads off along with the honeysuckle but I still haven't spotted any after my first spotting on Easter. :(

-Robert
mehitabel
Original Author
12 years ago
I goofed, Robert. I meant columbine! Red Canadian columbine!

Are you getting visits to your Major Wheeler now? I have three growing up my deck posts, and hummers visited it a lot last summer. It's just starting to open, so maybe I'll get some visits to it soon.

I've had hummers from July, but never this early. I'm determined to find something to bring them. I'm thinking they may be out there, but I don't have anything to attract them in my windows til July.

So I'm trying to figure out what to plant so I can *see* them if they're there.
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Robert (zone 7a, Oklahoma)
12 years ago
Haha. No problem.

The hummers always come to the red honeysuckle when it's in bloom and they are in the yard.
That's why it's so sad that I've got so many blooms but I don't see any.
Guess I'll have to wait until July!
Do you have Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue'?
It's probably the hummers favorite plant in our yard. :)

-Robert
Robert (zone 7a, Oklahoma)
12 years ago
Ugh. My partner just saw one and the only thing it came to was the honeysuckle!
Wish I was home right now. Laugh.

-Robert
mehitabel
Original Author
12 years ago
Well at least you know they're out there and love your honeysuckle. Try checking out there the last half hour before dusk. That's when they all came last summer.

This year I've planted some Black and Blue, but they're only about 6 inches high so far.
Robert (zone 7a, Oklahoma)
12 years ago
It seems I'm always staring out the windows trying to catch a glimpse of one!

I think you'll be amazed at how many hits you'll get from the salvia but be warned! It does get huge! :)
I don't mind though since they love it so much.
I have a big patch right in front of the back door so I can look out at them and I've also planted some in another bed and in the front yard since they love it so much.
It must have a higher sugar nectar content or something.

-Robert