I know it might seem a little early to start thinking about hummingbirds, but now is when you might be thinking about adding new plants for the garden for this summer. A sure way of attracting hummingbirds is by putting out a hummingbird feeder. However, feeders require regular maintenance which includes putting out fresh sugar water and keeping the feeder meticulously clean. Putting out hummingbird friendly plants requires a little effort to plant the bushes and flowers, but after that – no worries!
Here are some ideas that you might consider for attracting ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Annuals:
- Impatiens
- Morning glory
- Nasturtium
- Petunia
- Salvia
- Snapdragon
- Spider flower
Perennials:
- Beardtongue
- Bee balm
- Bleeding heart
- Butterflyweed
- Cardinal flower
- Coral bells
- Daylily
- Delphinium
- Foxglove
- Hollyhock
Hardy Shrubbery:
- Butterflybush
- Summersweet
- Trumpet vine
Vines:
- Trumpet creeper
- Coral honeysuckle
- Passionflower
Trees:
- Tulip Poplar
- Ohio Buckeye
Did you know:
The ruby-throated hummingbird is named for the distinctive red band that appears around only the males. While there are a few other hummingbird species that pass through here on their way north to Canada, the ruby-throated hummingbird is the only known hummingbird to nest in Ohio. Because of their migratory nature, you might notice their population to change from week-to-week as some stop and rest before moving on. Eventually, around late May or early June, the population will stabilize with just those that are nesting nearby. Then as early as late July, the southern migration begins and you’ll start to notice an uptick in their numbers as those living further north start heading south. Understanding a little about the ruby-throated hummingbird only adds to the enjoyment in seeing them in your landscape.
Besides feeding on nectar, these fast flying birds (27 mph) actually consume more insects than nectar. In fact they can consume up to 2,000 insects every day including mosquitoes, gnats, small bees, fruit flies, spiders, caterpillars, aphids and insect eggs.
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