Not Ginger Lily, Not Zinnia: The Bright Red Flower Hummingbirds Can't Resist

When you're thinking of flowers to grow to attract the most hummingbirds, there's a few that may come to mind. There's ginger lily, which is a fresh-smelling flower hummingbirds can't resist, or zinnias, which can add a pop of color to any pollinator garden. But you should not forget about a pretty reddish-pink flower originally from Asia that hummingbirds and other pollinators love. This flower is a hybrid cultivar of Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica) called 'Springs Promise'. Created by Clifford R. Parks, this bold flower is a combination of 'Berenice Boddy' and 'Kumasaka' cultivars.

Grow 'Springs Promise' to take your hummingbird garden to the next level. It gets its name because it blooms in early spring, a herald of the season and a welcoming sight to newly returning hummingbird species. The dense growth of this evergreen shrub displays fragrant, single blooms throughout the spring into the fall, although this camellia will bloom between December and March in warm southern climates.

This cultivar has more cold hardiness than others, too. Typically, Japanese camellias grow well in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 9. But 'Springs Promise' tolerates even colder winters, which means you can successfully grow it outside in zone 6. Keep in mind, however, that camellias do best when planted in sheltered spots on the southern side of a structure.

The first step to grow and take care of camellia plants is to ensure the right soil conditions. This shrub does best in moist, acidic soil, similar to rhododendrons. The proper level of moisture is key, because overly wet soil can lead to fungal diseases. With the right amount of shelter, especially from cold and dry wind, 'Springs Promise' blooms reliably in the spring in the northern part of its hardiness zone. Protect the buds and flowers so that hummingbirds and other pollinators are attracted to this shrub in the springtime.

With the potential to live hundreds of years and bright rose red hue, this flower is a good long-blooming perennial to bring color to your garden. When selecting a site for 'Springs Promise', opt for partial shade. It will brighten up the shadows in the spring and attract little hummers to less sunny parts of your yard. This cultivar is resistant to deer, which makes it a good choice near woodlands. It can reliably grow between 5 and 8 feet tall with a 4 foot spread, so consider using it as a sweet-smelling, hummingbird-attracting living privacy screen.