Do hummingbird bushes come back?

Hummingbird bushes, also known as hummingbird plants, are flowering plants that attract hummingbirds. Some common examples of hummingbird bushes include honeysuckles, trumpet vines, fuchsias, and sages. A key question that gardeners have is whether these bushes come back year after year or if they need to be replanted annually.

Do hummingbird bushes come back every year?

The short answer is that most hummingbird bushes are perennial plants that will come back every year without needing to be replanted. However, there are a few factors that determine whether a hummingbird bush will return reliably:

• Climate – In colder climates, some hummingbird bushes may die back to the ground in winter. But the roots will survive and send up new growth in spring. In warmer climates, they may retain foliage year-round.
• Plant variety – Most popular hummingbird bushes like honeysuckles and trumpet vines are perennials. But some more delicate fuchsias may be treated as annuals in zones with cold winters.
• Care and maintenance – Proper care like occasional pruning, fertilizing, and mulching will keep plants healthy and promote new growth. Neglected plants may not return as vigorously.
• Planting conditions – Hummingbird bushes planted in appropriate conditions for sun, soil, drainage, etc. will have the best chance of overwintering and reblooming.

So in most cases, a well-established hummingbird bush will keep growing back and flowering every year without needing to be replaced. Just be sure to select varieties suitable for your growing zone and care for them properly.

What are the best hummingbird bushes that come back every year?

Here are some of the top hummingbird bushes that reliably return as perennials:

Trumpet Honeysuckle

This vining honeysuckle produces trumpet-shaped red flowers that attract hummingbirds. It thrives in zones 4-9 and can grow up to 20 feet tall.

Trumpet Creeper

Also called trumpet vine, this plant flowers prolifically with red tubular flowers. It grows quickly up to 40 feet and thrives in zones 4-9.

Pineapple Sage

With bright red flowers and a sweet fruity smell, this herb is a favorite of hummingbirds. It reaches 2-4 feet tall and is perennial in zones 5-10.

Fuchsia

While some fuchsias are not hardy, others like the hardy fuchsia are perennials. They have attractive pendulous flowers and grow in zones 7-9.

Cape Honeysuckle

A tropical vine, cape honeysuckle blooms heavily with red and orange tubular flowers. It is evergreen in zones 9-11.

Lantana

This shrub comes in many cultivated varieties with clusters of brightly colored flowers. Lantana is perennial in zones 7-10.

Tips for getting hummingbird bushes to come back every year

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your favorite hummingbird bushes return reliably each year:

• Select plants suited for your growing zone. Be sure to choose perennials that can withstand your winter temperatures.
• Plant in a sunny location. Hummingbird bushes need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
• Prepare the soil well with compost and keep it moist but not soaked.
• Mulch around the plant to insulate roots and retain moisture.
• Prune back dead wood and shape overgrown plants after flowering.
• Fertilize plants in early spring to stimulate new growth. Use a balanced or high-phosphorus fertilizer.
• Protect plants from harsh winter weather. In very cold climates, wrap or cover plants to prevent winter dieback.

With the right growing conditions and care, most perennial hummingbird bushes will thrive for many years in your garden.

How long do hummingbird bushes live?

The lifespan of hummingbird bushes can vary depending on the specific plant variety. Here are the typical lifespans of popular hummingbird bushes:

As you can see, most hummingbird bushes are long-lived perennials that will keep flowering for many years. Trumpet creeper and trumpet honeysuckle have remarkably long lifespans of 15-20+ years. Pineapple sage and cape honeysuckle live moderately long from 5-15 years. Fuchsias are shorter lived at around 3-5 years. With proper care and growing conditions, you can maximize the lifespan of your hummingbird plants.

Conclusion

In summary, most popular hummingbird bushes are perennial plants that will come back reliably each year without replanting. Choosing suitable varieties, planting in appropriate conditions, and providing good care will give them the best chance of survival. Many favorites like trumpet vines and honeysuckles can live and bloom for over 15 years. With a proper selection and care regimen, you can enjoy your hummingbird bushes for many seasons.