There are a few common reasons why a hummingbird bush may not be blooming:
Not enough sunlight
Hummingbird bushes need full sun to bloom well. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal. If your bush is in too much shade, it likely won’t get enough light to produce many flowers. Move it to a sunnier location if possible.
Improper pruning
Pruning a hummingbird bush at the wrong time of year can prevent it from blooming. You should prune in late winter or early spring, after it has finished blooming. Pruning in summer or fall removes flower buds and can limit the next season’s bloom.
Extreme weather
Flower buds can be damaged by severe cold in winter or extreme heat in summer. Protect your hummingbird bush from temperature extremes to ensure good bud development. Provide winter mulch and move pots to sheltered areas.
Nutrient deficiencies
Like all plants, hummingbird bushes need proper nutrition to bloom. Insufficient nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium can limit flowering. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced flower fertilizer following label directions.
Poor drainage
Hummingbird bushes don’t like wet soil. Poor drainage can lead to root rot and prevent blooming. Choose a site with good drainage or grow in containers with drainage holes. Amend heavy clay soil with organic matter.
Old, overgrown plants
A very old, overgrown hummingbird bush may bloom less even with good care. Prune heavily every 2-3 years to rejuvenate plants. Fertilize after pruning to encourage new growth. Remove and replace very old plants.
How to Get a Hummingbird Bush to Bloom
If your hummingbird bush isn’t blooming well, here are some tips to help encourage lots of flowers:
Fertilize in early spring
Use a balanced fertilizer labeled for flowers or shrubs. This gives the plant nutrients to produce flower buds.
Prune right after flowering
Prune off spent blooms and shape the plant, leaving no later than early spring. This removes old wood and promotes new growth.
Provide good sunlight
At least 6 hours of direct sun daily is best. Morning sun is especially important. Supplement with grow lights if needed.
Water regularly
Water thoroughly when the soil is partly dry. About 1-2 inches of water per week is typical. Don’t let soil dry out.
Protect from extreme cold
Mulch the roots in fall and protect with a plant blanket if needed in winter. Move containers to sheltered areas.
Deadhead spent flowers
Removing faded flowers encourages more blooms. Shear off spent flower spikes back to a leaf node.
Avoid excessive pruning
Never prune more than 1/3 of the plant. Heavy pruning removes too many flower buds. Do any major reshaping right after flowering.
Divide large plants
Dividing every few years rejuvenates the plant. Throw away excessively woody centers and replant younger shoots.
When to Expect Hummingbird Bush Flowers
Hummingbird bush bloom times depend on the variety and your climate:
| Variety | Bloom Time |
|---|---|
| Anisacanthus quadrifidus | Spring to fall |
| Anisacanthus thurberi | Spring to summer |
| Anisacanthus virgularis | Spring to fall |
| xanti | Spring to summer |
In frost-free climates, hummingbird bushes can bloom nearly year-round. Elsewhere, bloom times range from spring to fall. Some varieties rebloom lightly after the main flush. Deadheading spent flowers encourages reblooming.
Warm climates
In USDA zones 9-11, flowering happens intermittently spring through fall. The main bloom period is usually spring.
Temperate climates
In USDA zones 7-8, expect flowers primarily in spring, with some varieties repeating in late summer or fall if deadheaded.
Cool climates
In USDA zones 6 and below, bloom time is spring to early summer. Flowering diminishes during hot weather. Rebloom in fall occurs in some years.
Causes of a Hummingbird Bush Not Blooming
If your hummingbird bush has no flowers or sparse blooms, the following problems may be to blame:
Insufficient sunlight
Hummingbird bushes need full sun, at least 6 good hours daily. Too much shade reduces flowering.
Under fertilization
These plants are heavy feeders. Fertilize in early spring and again after initial flowering.
Excessive pruning
Pruning off too much growth eliminates flower buds. Never remove more than 1/3 of the plant.
Poor drainage
Wet, soggy soil can lead to root rot and other problems. Improve drainage if needed.
Extreme heat or cold
Flower buds abort from too much heat or cold stress. Protect plants from temperature extremes.
Overgrown, old plants
After 5-8 years, flowering declines. Rejuvenate plants by hard pruning in spring.
Incorrect variety
Some species of hummingbird bush bloom much less. Stick with prolific flowering types.
Diseases or pests
Problems like fungal diseases, mites, or nematodes can reduce flowering. Treat any issues promptly.
Conclusion
With proper sunlight, soil, pruning, and care, hummingbird bushes reward gardeners with abundant, long-lasting blooms that attract hummingbirds. Pay attention to planting site, drainage, fertilization, and pruning techniques to encourage maximum flowers. Protect plants from temperature extremes in winter and summer. Divide or replace older plants that produce few blooms. Deadheading spent flowers consistently extends the flowering period. Provide good care, and your hummingbird bush will flourish with beautiful blossoms.
