Avoid neglecting these three plant species during late summer to aid migrating hummingbirds: Bee balm, crossvine, and trumpet honeysuckle.
Late-Summer Blooms Attract Migrating Hummingbirds
As summer turns into autumn, many gardens may start to lose their vibrant colours. However, several perennials continue to offer a vital nectar source for migrating hummingbirds, even if their flowers appear faded or past their best.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
One standout native perennial is the Cardinal Flower. With its vivid scarlet tubular flower spikes blooming from July through September, this plant is a favourite among hummingbirds. Even if some of the blooms have wilted, a few cardinal flowers are sufficient for attracting these migrating birds.
Beardtongues (Penstemon)
Many Penstemon species also bloom well into late summer, offering tubular flowers that hummingbirds frequent. Popular varieties include Firecracker (P. eatonii) and Parry’s Beardtongue (P. parryi). Even aging or partly faded blooms can still hold nectar, making them valuable late-season feeders.
Agastache
Agastache is another aromatic perennial that produces upright spikes of tubular flowers in colours like purple, blue, pink, and orange. Its nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds consistently throughout the season, and it is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee balm, while associated with bees, is also attractive to hummingbirds, especially red varieties like 'Raspberry Wine' and 'Gardenview Scarlet'. This plant offers a veritable explosion of individual nectar cups, making it a compelling flower in terms of nectar supply for hummingbirds. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are particularly taken by its charms.
Other Notable Perennials
Salvia and Lobelia species, as well as Hosta varieties, also provide nectar-rich tubular flowers from summer into fall. These plants are worth considering for those looking to attract hummingbirds to their gardens.
Extra Nectar Supply
For those who want to provide an extra supply of nectar for hummingbirds, Perky Pet's clear nectar is available in cans of four on Amazon.
Supporting Migrating Hummingbirds
To support migrating hummingbirds in late summer and fall, it is important to avoid deadheading these perennials, as even faded or browned flowers can continue to offer vital nectar during their southward journey.
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Signing up for the platform's newsletter provides access to more ideas for pollinator-friendly gardening and expert advice. The newsletter is free and offers a free copy of the e-book "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes". Janey Goulding, a former assistant editor of Amateur Gardening and currently writes and edits content for GardeningEtc and Homes & Gardens, is the Digital Community Manager.
Amy Draiss, the Digital Community Manager, encourages gardeners to take advantage of this unique opportunity to attract migrating hummingbirds with these late-summer perennials.
- In addition to vegetables, home-and-garden enthusiasts might consider growing perennials like Cardinal Flower, Beardtongues, Agastache, Bee Balm, Salvia, Lobelia, and Hosta for their nectar-rich tubular flowers that attract migrating hummingbirds, even in late summer when the garden's vibrant colors start to fade.
- By not deadheading late-summer perennials like Cardinal Flower, Beardtongues, Agastache, Bee Balm, and others, homeowners can provide a much-needed nectar source for migrating hummingbirds during their southward journey, contributing significantly to their lifecycle and overall survival.
