For the Love of Hummingbirds
Female hummingbird enjoying the nectar of lobelia.
I absolutely love hummingbirds. They are my favorite bird. I love that they are small but mighty. They ferociously defend the feeder bobbing and weaving to get their sip of nectar. Their iridescent plumage and aerial acrobatics captured my great-grandmother, Nanny’s, heart too. While enjoying a bowl of peach ice cream at her home, I observed her passion for these little creatures. She noted the dates of when the hummingbirds arrived and when they left each season and could accurately predict this each year, usually around April 15. This year, on this date, our first hummingbird peeked into our window as if to say “Hello, old friend, I’ve returned home again.” I must admit that it was a bit serendipitous for me.
Over the coming weeks, we'll delve into the world of native perennial plants, trees, shrubs, and vines that will draw hummingbirds into our midst with their vibrant colors and sweet nectar. From the fiery blooms of coral honeysuckle vine to the delicate allure of columbine, each plant I will spotlight offers not only sustenance for hummingbirds but also beauty and biodiversity for our gardens. Every plant I will mention will be perennials, meaning you’ll only have to plant it once, and they are all native to Virginia, the majority native to Hanover, VA (where my farm is located).
Since there most likely isn’t much blooming in your yard for them right now (I’m working on this myself), here is my Nanny’s Enchanted Hummingbird Nectar recipe with a special spin to honor her. Feel free to save it and share it with your friends and families via text or social media. Don’t forget to tag me @breemarflowerfarm. Your shoutouts are appreciated.
I am creating a small hummingbird garden in one of their new trellis raised beds at the Hanover Master Gardener Association’s Horticultural Learning Center. It is located in Taylor Park next to the Hanover County Extension office. I thought I’d share my plans to start the conversation about native plants that attract hummingbirds and over the coming weeks, I’ll share over 30 appetizing plant options for all seasons and lighting needs. All of the plants below were sourced at Colesville Nursery with the exception of Silene Virginica. That was purchased at Sandy’s Plants. If you only want to make one trip, Colesville has Silene Carolinia which is also native, but shorter and more ground-cover-like. I did extensive research and utilized the Digital Atlas of Virginia Flora and the North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox to verify all details regarding the plants mentioned here and throughout the rest of the series.
The raised bed is roughly 2 feet x 4 feet with a lattice trellis. It will be filled with native, perennials that attract hummingbirds. The colors represent different seasons of interest.
2. Gelsemium sempervirens 'Margarita' (Carolina Jessamine)
Carolina Yellow Jasmine, also known as Carolina Jessamine, is a native vine found in Virginia that is celebrated for its golden yellow, funnel-shaped flowers and glossy evergreen foliage.
In Virginia, Carolina Yellow Jasmine thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade. It blooms from February to May, filling the air with its sweet fragrance.
This vine is a modest grower, reaching heights of 12 to 20 feet when trained on arbors or trellises. It's an excellent choice for vertical spaces like trellises, fences, and planters, adding charm and color to any garden.
Carolina Yellow Jasmine faces no significant pest or disease issues.
📷: North Carolina Extension Garden Plant Toolbox
1 & 3. Phlox paniculata
Phlox paniculata, an erect herbaceous perennial native to Virginia, grows 2 to 4 feet tall and forms clumps. Its flowers, which bloom mid-summer to mid-fall, display a variety of colors.
In Virginia, Phlox paniculata prefers sunny to partially shaded areas with moist, fertile, and well-drained soils. Adequate spacing and thinning of stems help combat powdery mildew, a common issue. It's best to avoid overhead watering and to water during dry summers while mulching to keep the root zone cool.
To prolong blooming and prevent self-seeding, faded flower panicles should be removed. During winter, it's recommended to cut plants to the ground and remove them from the garden to minimize powdery mildew infection the following season.
Taller stems may require staking for support.
📷: Digital Atlas of Virginia Flora
4. Chelone Glabra (White Turtlehead)
Chelone glabra, also known as white turtlehead, is a native herbaceous perennial found in Virginia. It typically grows to heights of 2 to 3 feet and features white, snapdragon-like flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall.
In Virginia, it thrives in partial shade to full sun and moist, well-drained soils. It's a low-maintenance plant, requiring little care once established. Chelone glabra is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally attract deer.
Overall, this plant is a charming addition to your garden. I have a non-native species in my garden that the hummingbirds love. I purchased this native version for my personal use as well. I look forward to watching it grow this season. There are 3 other native species of chelone.
📷: North Carolina Extension Garden Plant Toolbox
5 & 7. Silene Virginica (Fire Pink)
Silene Virginica, commonly known as fire pink, is a native herbaceous perennial found in Virginia. It typically grows to heights of 1 to 2 feet and produces vibrant red, star-shaped flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.
In Virginia, Silene virginica thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils. It is adaptable to various soil types but prefers slightly acidic conditions. Once established, it is relatively low-maintenance. Silene virginica is generally resistant to pests and diseases in Virginia, making it a reliable and hassle-free addition to gardens.
Overall, Silene virginica adds a splash of color and beauty to your landscape, providing vibrant blooms and attracting beneficial wildlife. There are many other species of Silene. Be sure to look at the map and avoid introduced species (represented by blue dots).
📷: North Carolina Extension Garden Plant Toolbox
6. Penstemon Hirsutus (Hairy Beardtongue)
Penstemon Hirsutus, commonly known as hairy beardtongue, is a native herbaceous perennial found in Northern Virginia. It typically grows to heights of 1 to 2 feet and features spikes of tubular, lavender to purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.
In Virginia, Penstemon Hirsutus thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils. This species is relatively low-maintenance and requires minimal fertilization.
Penstemon Hirsutus is generally resistant to pests and diseases in Virginia, making it a reliable and attractive addition to gardens.
Overall, Penstemon Hirsutus adds beauty and color to Virginia gardens, providing long-lasting blooms and attracting beneficial wildlife with minimal care required.
📷: North Carolina Extension Garden Plant Toolbox
From the delicate blooms of Chelone Glabra to the vibrant spikes of Penstemon Hirsutus, each plant we've encountered has offered not only visual delight but also ecological benefits and a sense of connection to the natural world.
In our journey through the native landscapes of Virginia over the coming weeks, we’ll discover the importance of cultivating native species, not only for their resilience and adaptability but also for their role in supporting local ecosystems and wildlife. These plants, perfectly suited to Virginia's climate and soil conditions, provide food and habitat for pollinators, birds, and other creatures, enriching our gardens and communities in countless ways. I can’t wait to share what I’ve discovered with you.
Keep Blooming,
Nicole Dillon, Breemar Flower Farm
