The Exquisite Red Flowering Plant You Should Grow To Bring Hummingbirds To Your Yard

Part privacy fence, mostly specimen plant, the red bird of paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) is a plant worth getting to know. This hummingbird magnet is a gorgeous shrub with pretty red flowers that will beautify your yard. Red bird of paradise goes by many names, among them being Barbados flower fence. Its spiny stems and gargantuan heights make this plant a lovely substitute for a conventional yard barrier.

Why not opt for an eye-pleasing fence that also brings hummingbirds flocking? Its sprays of orangey red and yellow blooms lure butterflies and other pollinators as well as the lilliputian birds. With its ability to thrive even in a particularly hot corner of your yard, the red bird of paradise will transform your space into a hummingbird haven.

This supersized plant is a non-native species originating in the tropics, but it hasn't shown signs of becoming invasive in North America. Growing up to 20 feet wide and high in tropical zones and over 10 feet in cooler areas, you definitely need to plan accordingly when planting this shrub.

Red bird of paradise plants are hardy in zones 9 and above, but they can tolerate infrequent cold snaps as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. In this case, the plant will possibly suffer frost damage, and trimming it to about 12 inches high while it's dormant can help it bounce back for the next season. Those of you in colder corners of the continent can also grow red bird of paradise plants as part of a flower garden on your patio. Just be sure to bring the pot inside once temperatures dip below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Red bird of paradise loves reflected heat, so proximity to a building or a concrete patio could benefit the plant. However, with its spiky branches, it's also wise to relegate the red bird of paradise to a spot that doesn't get lots of traffic.You can plant from seed, cuttings, or by dividing the plant. One of the few problems red birds of paradise sometimes encounter is root rot, so well-draining soil is a must. Mixing a bit of sand into the soil before planting can help with drainage as will some organic matter.