Date: Fri, 19 Jul 2002 07:41:36 -0500
Reply-To: BB for Hummingbirds and Gardening for them in the Southeast <HUMNET-L@LISTSERV.LSU.EDU>
From: BB for Hummingbirds and Gardening for them in the Southeast <HUMNET-L@LISTSERV.LSU.EDU>
Subject: [HUMNET-L] crocosmia

I'm seeing somthing different this summer.  My hummers are nectaring from the invasive, persistent, but beautiful,Crocosmia.  I know, it's not a
native but somehow that dosn't seem to be any part of the criteria for the Jewels.  Anybody else have them using this bulb-plant??

Dot Burge
Henleyfield, Ms.

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Dot -

At this time of the year, crocosmias are the number 2 plant used in the
yard. Monarda is first, crocosmias are second, the cupheas are third. The
salvias will get tremendous use in a little while when they break into high
bloom up here, as will cardinal flower that's just beginning to open.

Crocosmias are the number one plant visitors to the yard at this time of
the year ask me about.

Arlene Koch, Zone 6
Easton, PA
Northampton County

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From: BB for Hummingbirds and Gardening for them in the Southeast <HUMNET-L@LISTSERV.LSU.EDU>
Subject: Re: [HUMNET-L] crocosmia

Yes. Crocosmia is one of their favorites. Though I haven't seen them at it
yet this year, because just as it starts to bloom here in zone 6a, the
hummer activity is still around zero. It seems to be towards the end of the
bloom that the population picks up and they start taking advantage of it.
It's not invasive here, so I've had to plant a patch of it. I've been
planting more and more each year, increasing the size of the same patch. I
mulch it every winter because I know it's marginally hardy this far north.

Tim B.
Rochester Hills, MI

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From: BB for Hummingbirds and Gardening for them in the Southeast <HUMNET-L@LISTSERV.LSU.EDU>
Subject: Re: [HUMNET-L] crocosmia

Dot,
I mistakenly allowed Crocsmia to grow in 2 of our flower beds. Well, It
spread faster than Kudzu and the Hummers do investigate the flowers, but
they leave quickly and go to other flowers.
We have dug, pulled and herbacided these plants and they are still here.
The bloom time is so short it isn't worth the time, space and nutrients
they take.
*************************************
Olga Clifton
Abita Springs,La.
West St. Tammany Parish
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Date: Sun, 21 Jul 2002 06:36:34 -0400
Reply-To: BB for Hummingbirds and Gardening for them in the Southeast <HUMNET-L@LISTSERV.LSU.EDU>
From: BB for Hummingbirds and Gardening for them in the Southeast <HUMNET-L@LISTSERV.LSU.EDU>
Subject: Re: [HUMNET-L] crocosmia

Dot and Humnetters
The Lucifer variety of Croscosmia is a favorite in our yard.  The bulbs do
spread, but are easily dug up and shared with friends or simply "tossed" if
you like.  Martha and I normally get about 4-6 weeks of blooms from our
contained patch of this beautiful plant.  In central Alabama it is a
welcome addition to the garden.

Bob Sargent
Trussville, Alabama