2001 Plant Select Winner | Drought-Tolerant Superbloomer | Hummingbird Magnet
The Water-Wise Gardener’s Secret Weapon
For decades, homeowners in arid climates have faced the triple dilemma of water restrictions, poor soil conditions, and the desire for vibrant color. Traditional solutions like gravel yards or thirsty annuals either sacrifice beauty or sustainability. The Orange Carpet® Creeping Hummingbird Trumpet (Zauschneria) shatters this compromise with its 2001 Plant Select Award-winning performance.
“After replacing my water-guzzling lawn with Orange Carpet, I not only cut my summer water bill by 60% but my yard became a hummingbird sanctuary.”
– Linda R., Colorado Master Gardener
The Science Behind the Spectacle
Physical Structure
- Height: 4-6″ compact profile resists wind damage
- Spread: 15-18″ via underground rhizomes
- Foliage: Fine-textured gray-green leaves reduce transpiration
- Flowers: 1″ tubular blooms with nectar guides
Ecological Mechanism
- Drought Adaptation: Pubescent leaves reflect sunlight
- Pollinator Synergy: Flower shape excludes bees, favoring hummingbirds
- Erosion Control: Fibrous root mat stabilizes slopes
How Orange Carpet Outperforms Common Alternatives
| Feature | Ice Plant | Creeping Thyme | Orange Carpet® |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloom Duration | 4-6 weeks | 2-3 weeks | 8-10 weeks |
| Water Needs | Moderate | Low | Very Low |
| Wildlife Value | Minimal | Bees only | Hummingbird magnet |
From Barren Slope to Living Tapestry: A Gardener’s Journey
The Struggle
When the Thompsons moved to their Colorado foothills home, their south-facing slope was an erosion-prone eyescape. Traditional lawn required 20,000 gallons of water annually just to stay greenish-brown. Sedum plantings looked dull, while lavender struggled with clay soil.
The Solution
After amending the soil with minimal compost, they planted Orange Carpet® plugs 18″ apart. By the second summer, the plants had formed a continuous mat requiring only monthly deep watering. The August bloom coincided with hummingbird migration, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
Why Gardeners Choose Orange Carpet®
As a drought-tolerant groundcover with exceptional hummingbird appeal, this Plant Select winner solves multiple landscape challenges:
- Slope Stabilization: The rhizomatous growth pattern binds soil better than most xeriscape plants
- Low Maintenance: No deadheading needed – simply cut back in early spring
- Extended Bloom: Flowers persist from midsummer until first frost, outperforming other perennial groundcovers
- Heat Resilience: Thrives in USDA zones 5-9 where many flowering plants fail
Planting Pro Tips
Ready to Transform Your Landscape?
For just $8.40 per plant, you can start creating a water-wise paradise that dazzles for months.
2001 Plant Select Winner | Cutting Propagated for Superior Quality