Planting 7 flowers in August to attract hummingbirds during migration: There's still time to create a nectar-rich, flowery feast for the migrating hummingbirds
Attracting Hummingbirds During Migration: Top Flowers to Plant in August
As hummingbirds embark on their southward migration, providing a critical nectar source becomes essential for these tiny, vibrant creatures. Here are some flowers that bloom late summer into fall and offer nectar-rich, tubular-shaped flowers favored by hummingbirds.
Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
A native climbing vine, coral honeysuckle boasts slender, trumpet-shaped coral blooms ideal for hummingbirds. It thrives in zones 4 and up, grows in full sun to part shade, and can flower from spring through fall. Coral honeysuckle is adaptable, thriving in pots and borders, making it an excellent choice for various garden settings.
Beardtongue (Penstemon species)
Tubular flowers attractive to hummingbirds, such as the vibrant Firecracker penstemon (P. eatonii) and Parry’s Beardtongue (P. parryi), are key choices for your garden. Many penstemons bloom late summer and benefit from not deadheading to prolong blooms during migration.
Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
A perennial with long lavender-blue flower spikes, anise hyssop blooms from summer through fall. Native to prairie regions, it thrives in zones 4 to 8, self-seeds, and offers an excellent nectar supply for hummingbirds.
Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta)
Drought-tolerant and native to zones 4 to 8, hoary vervain produces blue-purple flower spikes from mid-July into August. It is self-seeding and ideal for pollinator gardens.
Other Recommended Flowers
Bee balm, columbine, zinnias, nasturtium, and lupine also provide tubular or nectar-accessible flowers in late summer, are drought-tolerant, and bloom during the migration period, making them excellent choices for hummingbirds.
Adding Late-Blooming Flowers
Adding one, two, or several late-blooming flowers to your garden is beneficial. Many aster varieties are perfect for adding late-summer color and nectar to backyard borders. Asters can go on flowering until December in mild years. It is usually a good idea to stake aster plants, as many species are top-heavy and can flop over in the rain.
Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis)
Native to the Midwest and several southern states, ironweed will thrive in most yards with plenty of sunshine and moist but well-draining soil. It is loved by pollinators, including hummingbirds, for its nectar-rich purple flowers.
Pineapple Sage
Pineapple sage is a late-season beacon for hummingbirds and is best grown in milder spots or in big pots on the patio.
Goldenrod (Solidago)
Goldenrod can look pretty spectacular with tall stems of gold that blaze in the August sunshine.
Valerian
Valerian is one of the best drought-tolerant flowering perennials and can grow almost anywhere.
Other Considerations
In addition to planting flowers, providing a hummingbird concentrated mix from Perky Pet can help keep native migrants happy as they travel. Brown flower stems from plants in the late stage of the growing season still contain nectar and are better than no flower stems for hungry migrating hummingbirds.
For those interested in capturing close-up photographs of migrating hummingbirds, a DOCOON hummingbird feeder camera is a great option.
By choosing flowers native or well-adapted to your local zone, you can maximize success in attracting hummingbirds during this period. Happy gardening!
- The Beardtongue, with its tubular flowers such as the Firecracker penstemon and Parry’s Beardtongue, is a lifestyle choice favored by home-and-garden enthusiasts, offering an appealing attraction for hummingbirds.
- For gardening aficionados seeking to maximize the likelihood of attracting hummingbirds during migration, considering native flowers such as Coral Honeysuckle, Hoary Vervain, and Ironweed, along with non-native yet well-adapted flowers like Anise Hyssop and Goldenrod, can greatly contribute to a successful home-garden setup.
