Preserving Three Specific Plants in Late Summer to Encourage Migration of Hummingbirds
In the heart of late summer and fall, as migratory hummingbirds embark on their demanding journeys, it's essential to provide them with ample food sources. Three key perennials whose tubular flowers attract these vibrant birds are the Cardinal Flower, Beardtongue, and Coral Honeysuckle. These plants should be left un-deadheaded even if flowers appear faded to ensure hummingbirds have access to vital nectar sources.
The Cardinal Flower, or Lobelia cardinalis, is a native North American species that hummingbirds adore. Its scarlet tubular flowers bloom from July to September, and even faded blooms still contain nectar, making it crucial not to deadhead during migration to provide continuous food for hummingbirds [2][5]. You can purchase live plants of the Cardinal Flower from Sacred Roots Nursery at Walmart.
Beardtongue, or Penstemon spp., is another vital nectar source for hummingbirds. Many varieties bloom well into late summer, and leaving flowers intact helps migratory hummingbirds find nectar. Examples include Firecracker penstemon (P. eatonii) and Parry’s beardtongue (P. parryi) [3].
Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is a climbing perennial with slender, trumpet-shaped flowers perfectly suited for hummingbirds’ bills. It often blooms from spring through fall and should be left uncut during migration periods to support hummingbirds [1][4].
Hummingbirds are attracted to plants with tubular flowers containing nectar, even if the flowers themselves seem a bit brown and weary. Some other species noted for attracting hummingbirds with tubular flowers include scarlet hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus), whose large red flowers bloom mid to late summer [5].
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are particularly taken by the charms of bee balm, or Monarda. Varieties such as 'Raspberry Wine', 'Gardenview Scarlet', 'Balmy Purple', 'Leading Lady Pink', and 'Leading Lady Plum' are attractive to hummingbirds. Firecracker (P. eatonii) is a popular hummingbird favorite due to its vibrant orangey red flowers.
In addition to these plants, the Perky Pet nectar, available at Amazon in cans of four, can provide an additional nectar source for hummingbirds. The blue cardinal (great blue lobelia) variety of Cardinal Flower can also attract hummingbirds, and Rufous hummingbirds are particularly attracted to the pink Parry's Beardtongue (P. parryi).
While some perennials can benefit from a late summer chop, these three species should be left un-deadheaded to help hummingbirds during their demanding migratory journeys. The author, Janey Goulding, a former assistant editor of the UK's oldest gardening magazine, Amateur Gardening, emphasises the importance of these plants for hummingbirds. Cardinal Flowers can thrive in less-than-ideal growing conditions, including partial shade.
- To support the migration of hummingbirds, it's wise to incorporate more lifestyle choices centered around providing them with ample food sources.
- Alongside gardening, one can enhance their home-and-garden lifestyle by choosing perennials that attract hummingbirds, such as the Cardinal Flower, Beardtongue, and Coral Honeysuckle.
- Fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts can take part in promoting healthier lifestyles and personal-growth by opting for flower arrangements with these hummingbird-friendly perennials.
- Food-and-drink enthusiasts can not only enjoy the beauty of these hummingbird-attracting plants but also learn more about healthy-cooking through educational resources that feature hummingbird recipes using fruits from these plants.
- Budget-travelers exploring job-search opportunities in the food-and-drink industry can showcase their passion for cooking and nature by including experiences in cultural-travel and learning about exotic fruit-and-drink flavors used in hummingbird recipes from various locations.
- Those interested in lifelong-learning, skills-training, and career-development can expand their knowledge by taking online education-and-self-development courses in advanced gardening practices that help attract and support hummingbird populations.
- For those who love sports, sports-betting, or sports-analysis, a unique approach to investment strategy could involve focusing on companies specializing in hummingbird-friendly plants and products.
- Mindfulness practitioners can deepen their practice by setting goals for planting and maintaining a hummingbird-friendly garden as part of their journey towards personal-growth and well-being.
- Additionally, adventure-travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations can research and visit areas known for their native hummingbird species and the plants that attract and support them.
- For nature lovers, the experiences and insights gained from learning about hummingbird-friendly gardening can provide a fulfilling hobby that contributes positively to the environment and the lives of these fascinating creatures.
- Lastly, those engaged in job-search or career-development can differentiate themselves by showcasing an understanding and passion for promoting eco-friendly practices and hummingbird conservation efforts.
