The Stunning Flower That Can Lure More Hummingbirds To The Garden

If you want to lure hummingbirds to your yard with a bright, irresistible flower, montbretia (Crocosmia spp.) is the stunning bloom they can't resist. This perennial offers more than just a pop of color. Its arching stems are lined with trumpet-shaped blooms in fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow, each perfectly shaped for hummingbirds' slender beaks. The flowers open one by one from the bottom of each spike upward, providing a steady supply of nectar that keeps these tiny visitors coming back for weeks.

Montbretia is as bold as it is reliable. Its long, sword-shaped leaves form a striking base for the flower spikes, adding movement and texture even when blooms are in between cycles. Rain or a morning sprinkle can bring out a faint, saffron-like fragrance that seems to invite pollinators closer. Low-maintenance and hardy, this plant will come back year after year with minimal effort, forming clumps that not only draw hummingbirds but also attract bees and butterflies to your garden.

Beyond the pollinator appeal, montbretia makes a statement wherever it's planted. Beds, borders, or containers, the flower adapts beautifully, giving your outdoor space a long-lasting splash of color. It's the kind of plant that rewards both your eye and your wildlife visitors. To get the most out of it, pick a sunny, well-draining spot, and you'll have a guaranteed hummingbird magnet all season long, a perfect choice to start a pollinator garden.

Montbretia is as adaptable as it is showy, but like any perennial, the way you plant and care for it will affect both its blooms and its appeal to hummingbirds. Hardy in USDA  Zones 6 through 9, montbretia corms can be planted directly into the garden after the last frost. They'll do well in fertile soil, but they also thrive in moderately lean soil, making them surprisingly low-maintenance. Space the corms about 6 to 8 inches apart and set them 2 to 5 inches deep. Regular watering will help the plants establish quickly, but overwatering can lead to root rot, so aim for even moisture without soggy soil.

For gardeners in cooler zones, montbretia can still thrive with a little extra care. After the blooming season, let the leaves die back naturally; while they fade, they quietly pack energy into the corms for another season of flowers. When frost is approaching, carefully dig up the corms, shake off any excess soil, and let them dry for a few days. Once dry, store them in a cool, dry spot until spring. When the soil has warmed, replant the corms and get ready to enjoy their vibrant, nectar-rich blooms all over again.

Montbretia's fiery blooms and strong foliage aren't just attractive to hummingbirds, they're also resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a reliable choice in areas with hungry wildlife. With minimal maintenance, occasional division every 3 to 4 years, and proper care, this beautiful perennial that hummingbirds love is a no-brainer for any garden.