Hummingbirds Can't Resist This Tropical Perennial Flower

If you want to see more hummingbirds in the garden, you can draw more of them in with one of their favorite, colorful flowers: the tropical hibiscus. This bright-colored bloom ticks all the boxes for this busy little bird. Its flowers come in shades of red, one of a hummingbird's favorite colors. And tropical hibiscus also is on the list of tubular flowering plants – the preferred shape of hummingbirds since they best fit their long beaks.

But it's probably the calorie boost that hibiscus provides that really seals the deal and keeps the hummingbird coming back, again and again. Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a member of the Malvaceae family, which means it's a cousin of the cotton and okra plants. The flower tends to do well in warmer climates and only thrives in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9 through 11. Of course, if you live in a zone colder than 9, you can opt for a hardier variety, like Hibiscus moscheutos. It's hardy down to zone 5. Or you can always plant a tropical hibiscus in a pot and bring it inside when the air grows cold. 

If you set the container in a very sunny spot near a window, the hibiscus might even continue to bloom all winter. Regardless of whether you keep the plant outside or inside during the winter, make sure to prune back the plant at the end of the cold season to get the most blooms come summer.

Growing your own tropical hibiscus is relatively easy. It prefers organically rich soil and lots of sunlight, but it'll also make due with part-shade for some of the day. Most, well-drained soil is typically ideal for this bright-blooming flower. And while it loves humidity, it understandably hates the cold. Protect it from frosts outside and cold drafts inside.

It's important to ensure there's adequate room in your garden when planting tropical hibiscus. It grows surprisingly big — about 4 to 10 feet tall and about 5 to 8 feet across, when mature — so plant accordingly. Allow a foot or two between each plant to be on the safe side. If you want to attract the most hummingbirds to your hibiscus, be sure not to crowd the flowers. These tiny birds need space to hover and zig zag between the blooms. 

Hibiscus blooms only last a day or two, so it might be a good idea to pinch off dying flowers to encourage new growth for your hummingbirds. Also, know it might not even be a flower that attracts them, but other things. Pro tip: Don't toss your overripe bananas and use them to attract hummingbirds instead. They also love a little splash of water now and again, so think about a mister. It's a refreshing feature that's great for attracting hummingbirds to the garden.