HUMNET -- many have probably purchased Manettia inflata as a novelty
plant (an apt name might be "Candy Corn Vine"), but today I saw my imm.
male Ruby-throated work one of mine over very seriously and thoroughly,
presumably getting nectar. A couple of years ago, I watched a
Black-chinned do this several times during the winter. I wouldn't call M.
inflata one of those "magnet" plants, but it holds its own in terms of
hummer use during early winter .

Van Remsen
nr St. Gabriel, LA, Zone 8b

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Date: Sat, 28 Dec 2002 21:42:36 -0600
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] Manettia inflata
To: HUMNET-L@LISTSERV.LSU.EDU

I've had Manettia inflata several times. It isn't an "A" list plant [like
Cuphea micropetala or Ugly Shrimp Plant], but certainly it gets some usage,
especially from some of the smaller species. I've seen Ruby-throated,
Black-chinned, and Rufous nectaring at my place.

My growing experience with it has been less than stellar
however. Sometimes, it seems to go "belly up" for no apparent
reason. Currently, I am without it, but will try again.

NLN

***************************
Nancy L Newfield

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Manettia inflata is doing better than ever for me after losing three or
more over the years. It's growing up a cheapo trellis right at the front
path entrance, and probably has 50 or more open blooms which are being used
by several hummers including a R/A and the Calliopes. Interestingly
enough, this particular plant was put in the ground probably three years
ago, but died all the way back, disappearing completely for a few months.
It re-appeared, either from rootstock or seed, and has done very well for
over a year now.

Miriam L. Davey

Baton Rouge