High Country Gardens
Sky Island Orange Hummingbird Trumpet (Zauschneria)
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners wanting late-season hummingbird activity.
The Sky Island Orange Hummingbird Trumpet is a vibrant perennial that graces gardens with its profuse, tubular orange blooms in early fall. This plant is a beacon for migrating hummingbirds, providing a crucial nectar source. It thrives in full sun but can benefit from afternoon shade in hot climates. While waterwise once established, it requires regular summer watering. Its spreading nature, thanks to underground roots, makes it excellent for mass plantings on slopes. It's also naturally resistant to deer and rabbits, offering a low-maintenance splash of color late in the season. For best results, cut back in mid-spring.
$15.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
864
/ 3268
#864 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-42%
Below average
Life Cycle
Perennial
/ Perennial
Who it's for
- Wildlife gardeners supporting migrating hummingbird populations
- Xeriscaping enthusiasts managing low-water landscapes
- Homeowners seeking late-season garden color
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with limited space or small planting beds
- Owners of heavy clay or poorly draining soil
- Minimalists wanting year-round tidy foliage
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Appeal
A premier nectar source that effectively draws hummingbirds to the garden.
Seasonal Longevity
Provides a vital burst of color when most summer blooms fade.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and rabbits from grazing on your landscape.
Drought Tolerance
Establishes deep roots to thrive with minimal supplemental irrigation.
Maintenance Ease
Requires only a simple spring pruning to maintain healthy growth.
Erosion Control
Spreading habit makes it an ideal choice for stabilizing sloped terrain.
Key Specs
Life Cycle
Perennial
Watering Needs
Moderate
Light Requirement
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Bloom Season
Fall
Fragrance Level
No Fragrance
Pet Safe
False
Growth Habit
Mounding
Mature Height
30-36 inches
Features
- Attracts hummingbirds with nectar-rich flowers
- Blooms profusely in early fall
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Native wildflower selection
- Spreads to fill areas
- Waterwise once established
- Low maintenance
- Extends garden color into fall
What customers say
The Sky Island Zauschneria is celebrated for its remarkable reliability and ability to attract wildlife. Gardeners appreciate its quick establishment, even in challenging conditions, highlighting its impressive hardiness. The striking orange trumpet flowers are a standout design feature, drawing hummingbirds swiftly. This plant offers a superb blend of resilient growth and visual appeal, making it a valuable choice for waterwise gardens. Its consistent performance and beauty provide excellent value for any landscape.
Know before you buy
For the best results, cut the plant back in mid-spring. This helps clear away old growth and encourages fresh, vigorous development for the upcoming season.
While it is considered waterwise once established, it does require regular watering throughout the summer months to thrive. Ensure it is planted in well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging.
Yes, this variety features underground roots that allow it to spread over time. This makes it an excellent choice for mass plantings or covering slopes.
No, the Sky Island Orange Hummingbird Trumpet is not considered pet-safe. It is best to plant it in areas of your garden that are inaccessible to curious cats or dogs.
It thrives in full sun, though it can benefit from a bit of afternoon shade if you live in a particularly hot climate. Providing the right light balance ensures the most profuse fall blooms.
This plant is naturally resistant to both deer and rabbits, making it a reliable choice for gardens where these animals are frequent visitors.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$16