Friday, July 5, 2013

Trumpet Vine Coming In Strong

One of the Ruby Throated Hummingbirds' all time favorite food sources in these parts is Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans), and we have plenty of it here!  There are shoots coming up everywhere, which I need to beat back, but not too grudgingly, as the flowers are wondrous to behold and because they are such good attractants.  Ours got going a little slowly this year but are firing up nicely as the heat has set in.  I expect to see blooms for some weeks.  For others in the southeast, this is a fabulous addition to the native wildflower collection but it is risky!  Trumpet Vine is very aggressive and can take over whole trees! (We have two such "Trumpet Vine" trees).  As long as it is watched and restrained it can be a fine friend.  And the hummingbirds will appreciate it!

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