Hummingbirds frequent these two self-propagating blossoms that thrive from summer till autumn, forming an ideal duo
In the heart of late summer and early fall, gardens can become a vibrant haven for hummingbirds. Two flowers that stand out as ideal attractions are Zinnias and Agastache, both offering nectar-rich blooms and creating inviting landing spots for these delightful creatures.
Zinnias, easy to grow from seed and drought-tolerant once established, are suitable for pots, borders, and cutting for floral arrangements. They come in various colours and petal styles, but simpler ones are preferred by hummingbirds. Zinnias can self-seed without becoming aggressive or invasive, as long as deadheading is avoided at the end of the season.
Agastache, also known as hummingbird mint or hyssop, adds vertical interest and a pop of colour in borders or containers. Its aromatic foliage is reminiscent of mint or licorice, providing an added sensory experience. Agastache has tall flower spikes in shades of purple, pink, orange, or blue, each adorned with vibrant, tubular flowers packed with nectar. For a bolder pop of colour, consider the Pink 'Maestro Coral' variety, while for a classic look, the Blue Giant agastache is a popular choice.
Agastache blooms from midsummer into fall, providing a long-lasting food source for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. It's also deer-resistant, making it a practical choice for gardeners. For those who wish to monitor their feathered visitors, consider the Birdfy Hummingbird Feeder with Camera, available on Amazon, which allows you to nurture the birds while enjoying HD footage and real-time notifications when they visit.
Beyond Zinnias and Agastache, several excellent plant pairings attract hummingbirds effectively. Notable combinations include Nasturtium with Cuphea and Cosmos with Verbena, which together create attractive, hummingbird-friendly garden groupings. Another standout is Monarda (bee balm), a perennial favored by hummingbirds for its tubular flowers; pairing Monarda with Echinacea (coneflower) and Rudbeckia extends the bloom season and supports a diverse pollinator habitat. Additional hummingbird magnet plants include Salvia guaranitica, Monarda fistulosa, and autumn sage, all highly attractive to hummingbirds and suitable for pairing with each other or other nectar-rich plants.
These combinations work well because they offer nectar-rich tubular flowers across extended blooming periods and often feature complementary colours and growth habits that create both visual interest and continuous food sources for hummingbirds throughout the growing season. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can create a beautiful and bustling hummingbird haven.
Engaging in a fashion-and-beauty-focused lifestyle, one could opt for the Birdfy Hummingbird Feeder with Camera, available on Amazon, which not only allows you to nurture the birds but also offers an HD footage experience and real-time notifications when they visit.
In the process of developing a home-and-garden design with hummingbirds in mind, pairing plants like Zinnias, Agastache, Nasturtium, Cuphea, Cosmos, Verbena, Monarda (bee balm), Echinacea (coneflower), Rudbeckia, Salvia guaranitica, Monarda fistulosa, and autumn sage will result in a lovely, hummingbird-friendly garden that extends the bloom season and supports a diverse pollinator habitat, creating a beautiful and bustling haven throughout the growing season.
