Eccremocarpus scaber ‘Mix’ — Glory Flower | Hummingbird Magnet in 8 Weeks

Description

This lively, twining climber offers tubular, fire-colored flowers, delicate fern-like foliage, lightning-fast growth, and amazing wildlife value. You’re about to transform a bare fence into a living jewel box.

The Chilean glory flower, Eccremocarpus scaber is a fast growing evergreen perennial vine. An exotic-looking climber with dark fern-like foliage and twining tendrils that cling to fences and trellises. This useful climbing plant will quickly cover walls, archways or pergolas. The clusters of small tubular flowers range from bright orange-scarlet and carmine rose to clear golden yellow. This fast-growing, evergreen climber has sharply 4-angled stems and red-orange tubular flowers tipped with yellow that are borne in clusters 4 to 6 inches long. The ‘Mix’ cultivar delivers the full spectrum—scarlet, orange, and gold dancing across your garden all summer and into autumn.

**The Hummingbird Calling:** This is where Eccremocarpus scaber stops being merely ornamental and becomes essential. The hummingbird and the glory flower evolved together in Chile so it is no wonder hummers go crazy for it when grown in your garden here. The tubular flowers are rich in nectar and perfectly shaped for hummingbird feeding. It is considered one of the best annual/perennial climbers for attracting hummingbirds to gardens. You won’t just grow a vine; you’ll create a hub of iridescent activity. The narrow tubular flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds, and when cut, it adds graceful foliage and clusters of brilliant tubular flowers to bouquets. Plant this where you sit—watch the jeweled visitors hover, feed, and return again and again. Attracts bees and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Wildlife gardening has never been easier or more rewarding.

**How to Grow It—And Why You’ll Love It:** Very easy to grow, if sown early will flower the same year. This is not a fussy plant. The Chilean glory vine is a (half) hardy evergreen perennial vine that flowers in summer, taking around 8 weeks to germinate at 16–21 °C. The speed at which growth can occur can be as much as 8–10 feet. Flowering continuously from spring to autumn. Eccremocarpus scaber flowers most heavily when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, producing dense clusters of tubular blooms and strong, vigorous growth. Chilean Glory Flower dislikes soggy conditions, and standing water around the roots can quickly lead to rot and decline, especially in cooler weather. Performs well in moderately fertile garden soil: Average loam with reasonable organic matter is ideal, giving enough nutrients for lush foliage without forcing too much leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Plant it in a large pot with an obelisk or tripod support so you can enjoy vivid blooms and pollinator activity at eye level on small terraces or urban balconies. They are considered perennials but many gardeners will grow them as annuals. It is a short-lived perennial in Zones 8–11 but is grown as an annual in most cooler climates. Even as an annual, it grows fast enough to reach full climbing height in a single season.

**Your Seed-to-Glory Journey:** Sow these seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost, or direct sow after danger of frost has passed. Chilean Glory Vine seeds have to be just slightly pressed into the soil and not covered, because these seeds need light to germinate. Watch them sprint: tiny fern-like leaves emerge, tendrils curl and grip, then those irresistible tubular blooms appear. This vine has received the RHS