Easy red-hot poker is hummingbird friendly

Q: During the week, I commute into the Downtown area of town. I pass a yard that has several planted barrels near the sidewalk, one of which has these tallish blooming plants. The flowers look like candle flames on top of the green stalks. Do you know what these plants are and can I plant some now in one of my flower beds? — W.C., Albuquerque

A: Flowers that look like a flame, huh? I think you’re describing a plant called red-hot poker (kniphofia), sometimes called a torch lily.

You should be able to find seed to start your own grouping of the red hot easily at any well-stocked seed rack — racks that are everywhere this time of year. You might be able to find gallon containers of the plants available so you’re ahead of the curve this time of year, too.

The red-hot poker plant has a few requirements, but they are easy in these parts. First, make sure where you plant them will get quite a bit of sunlight. They don’t perform too well in truly shady areas. Also make sure that they don’t sit in soggy soil. To keep the red hot consistently damp will rot the plants and considering you’ve paid handsomely for a perennial container plant or seeds, that wouldn’t be good.

Remember, too, the red hot gets tallish by nature so place it appropriately in your landscaping.

After you have the initial planting established — two complete growing seasons — you can separate the stand and plant segments in other parts of your gardens.

The red-hot poker plant is easy, very colorful and a favorite of hummingbirds so, if you have the space and enough sun to offer, search them out and enjoy.

Q: My kids have been feeding birds all winter long and now they want to attract hummingbirds, too. When should we hang the feeder for them? — L.B., West Side

A: Traditionally, I hang my feeders on April 15. It mentally and emotionally takes some of the sting out of Tax Day for me to do something nice for the world.

You can go ahead and hang them now as long as you’re ready to take on the responsibility for them.

With that, make sure the feeders aren’t hung in direct sun. If the nectar stays too warm it can sour. Keeping the feeders clean and full of fresh nectar is always the way to go.

Consider investing in ant traps, as well. This cuplike fixture stays filled with water (I add a couple of drops of dish soap, too) and the feeder hangs from it. That way you won’t have pesky ants invading the hummingbird feeders.

Also, hummers prefer ease of access so hanging them in an open, airy spot is not only best, but also safer for the birds. You don’t want a cat or other predator to be able to capture and harm these flying jewels.

Need tips on growing your garden? Tracey Fitzgibbon is a certified nurseryman. Send your gardenrelated questions to Digging In, Rio West, P.O. Drawer J, Albuquerque, NM 87103.