Hummingbird Happy Hour: Flowers on Tap
My good friend and Master Gardener, Joseph Storlien, also an Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at the College of St. Benedict and Saint John's University, shared some valuable information with me that was inspired by recent sightings of Hummingbirds in his yard.
Hummingbirds are such interesting and beautiful birds, so how do you attract those beautiful birds into your yard? Joe shared with me a list of the Top 10 plants from the University of Minnesota Extension office that Hummingbirds can't get enough of. Maybe you can find some of these great plants and incorporate them into your yard.
1. WILD COLUMBINE
If you've got an area that is partially shaded, some Wild Columbine might like living in your backyard. Wild Columbine produces beautiful red and yellow flowers that hummingbirds love. Wild Columbine also thrives in well-draining soil.
2. SALVIAS (ANNUALS)
Salvias come in all different colors, and according to Joe, if you want to attract some hummingbirds to your location, choose red salvias like 'Firelight' and 'Hot Lips'. He said that purple and blue varieties are also good at attracting Hummingbirds. A good variety is called 'Black and Blue.'
3. ANIS HYSSOP
Aren't they pretty? You will want to find some native to Minnesota, Anis Hyssop. These plants love the sunshine, so find a sunny location and you'll want to plant them somewhere where there is good drainage, as these plants do not like sitting in wet soil.
4. CARDINAL FLOWER
Cardinal Flowers can grow anywhere between 1 and 6 feet tall, so you'll want an area where these can be in the background. These flowers really depend on Hummingbirds to pollinate them as they have long tubular flowers. Note: The name of this flower comes from the long red robes worn byRoman Catholic Cardinals. Who knew!
5. CUPHEA
This plant would be great in a planter as they like lots and lots of sun, and they are also tubular flowers that are a purplish red in color. Hummingbirds love those tubular plants.
6. MILKWEED
Joe says that Butterfly Weed and Swamp Milkweed are a few great ones to try if you want a milkweed that doesn't become too invasive. These serve monarch butterflies as well as hummingbirds They can grow up to five feet tall, and you'll smell their beautiful fragrance before you even see them. Yummy!
7. FLOWERING TOBACCO
Tobacco plants? This one threw me for a few minutes, then I realized that these plants are a relative of the commercial tobacco plants, but you aren't going to be using this one for a crop; other than one that puts off a lovely jasmine scent and has pretty tubular flowers that Hummingbirds really enjoy.
8. HISBISCUS/ROSE OF SHARON
This shrub produces flowers that have pink petals and red centers. They are simply beautiful. They bloom between June and October and attract both hummingbirds, other birds, and butterflies. If you want this shrub to flower, you'll want to plant it in a sunny spot.
Plant Slueth/YouTube
9. TALL VERBENA
This is another tall plant that has beautiful little purple flowers in clusters. Each little flower makes a purple tube. Hello Hummingbirds! This plant can be invasive so you'll want to make sure you have it growing in a controlled area.
10. BEE BALMS
Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds all love Bee Balms. They have tubular-shaped flowers in a variety of colors, including red, white, pink, lilac, and purple. So whatever color scheme you are going for, this should be able to cover it. You'll need to pick a location that will give your bee balm at least 6 hours of sunshine. It's best to plant varieties that are resistant to powdery mildew. Those varieties include Grand Marshall and Jacob Cline, and Marshall's Delight.
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