Nectar-Bearing Plants for Hummingbirds

Early Spring

• Hummingbirds arrive in early spring when there are not a lot of plants in bloom that provide a source of natural nectar. Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is one nectar-bearing plant that will bloom around the time that hummingbirds arrive. Plant a large section of this in your garden and allow it to self-seed since it is a short-lived plant. Other early spring nectar-bearing plants include primrose (Primula vulgaris) and early flowering varieties of sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus).

Mid To Late Spring

• As spring progresses, a wider array of nectar-bearing plants come into bloom. Hummingbirds are naturally attract to orange and red flowers so choose plants with flowers in this color range whenever possible. Fire pink (Silene virginica) produces masses of red and yellow, star-shaped flowers that hummingbirds will flock to in droves. Heuchera is another hummingbird favorite. The tiny bell-shaped pink or white flowers of this plant are borne on long stems, making it easy for hummingbirds to get to the nectar.

Summer

• Once the hot days of summer arrive, numerous nectar-bearing plants that attract hummingbirds burst into bloom. Maltese cross (Lychnis chal­cedonica), bee balm (Monarda), penstemon, phlox, salvia, red-hot poker (Kniphofia), Fuchsia, petunia, nicotiana and trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) are just a few of your choices. Look for plants with tubular-shaped blooms. The shape of the bloom makes it easier for hummingbirds to reach the nectar inside the flower. Choose native plants instead of hybrids, whenever possible, because they contain more nectar. A hybrid is a plant that has been cross-bred to create a garden plant that is superior in some way.

Fall

• Continue to provide sources of natural nectar in the fall, when hummingbirds migrate, to help these birds on their long trip home. Good nectar-bearing plants for the fall garden include asters and cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis). To provide a wider variety, cut the faded blooms off earlier-flowering plants and most of them will continue to bloom right up to the first fall frost.