August Garden Idea: Planting 7 Nectar-Rich Flowers to Boost Hummingbird Migration - it's still possible to create a colorful, hummingbird-friendly flower feast
August is an exciting time for garden enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike, as many hummingbird species begin their migration south. To help these vibrant creatures on their journey, consider planting a variety of late-blooming flowers that provide essential nectar.
In US hardiness zones, some of the best options include the coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), four-o'clock (Mirabilis jalapa), cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), beardtongue (Penstemon), monarda (bee balm), goldenrod (Solidago spp.), Rudbeckia triloba (Brown-Eyed Susan), and anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum).
Coral Honeysuckle is a native climbing plant with trumpet-shaped blooms perfect for hummingbird beaks. Thriving in zones 4 and above, it tolerates full sun to part shade and blooms from spring through fall in good conditions.
Four-o'clock is a self-seeding, bright, trumpet-shaped flower that opens in the late afternoon and blooms into the night, providing nectar when few others do. It acts as a perennial in zones 9-10 and annual elsewhere.
Cardinal Flower is a native perennial with red tubular flowers that provide a strong nectar source late in the season. Hardy in zones 3–8, it reseeds naturally.
Beardtongue (Penstemon) and Monarda (Bee Balm) are perennials that bloom into late summer, providing vital nectar without deadheading to support migrating hummingbirds.
Goldenrod blooms from August through October, providing essential late-season nectar. It thrives in full sun and poor to average soil in zones 3-9.
Rudbeckia triloba (Brown-Eyed Susan) attracts various pollinators, including hummingbirds, and blooms from late summer to the first frost. It's hardy in zones 4-9.
Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is another nectar-rich plant for late summer, although specifics on hardiness zones were not detailed in the results; it typically grows well in many zones 4-9.
Leaving some brown flower stems standing towards the end of August can also provide nectar for migrating hummingbirds, as many plants won't produce new stems at this stage of the growing season.
For those looking to purchase live plants, coral honeysuckle, ironweed, and milkweed can be found on Amazon. Aster varieties, including native New England asters hardy down to zone 4, can be ordered via Walmart.
To further attract hummingbirds, consider adding a decorative red-glass hummingbird feeder with 6 feeding ports, or try the hummingbird concentrated mix from Perky Pet to keep native migrants happy as they travel.
References:
[1] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how/grounds/coral-honeysuckle-care.htm
[2] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how/grounds/four-o-clock-plant-information.htm
[3] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how/grounds/cardinal-flower-information.htm
[4] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how/grounds/goldenrod-care-growing-guidelines.htm
[5] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how/grounds/how-to-grow-rudbeckia-triloba.htm
- The variety of flowers perfect for attracting hummingbirds includes the coral honeysuckle, four-o'clock, cardinal flower, and bee balm (monarda), which are all great choices for a home-and-garden lifestyle as they bloom during late summer and offer vital nectar sources for migrating hummingbirds.
- In addition to these plants, anise hyssop and goldenrod are also nectar-rich options that can be added to a garden to enhance its appeal to hummingbirds, contributing to a satisfying lifestyle for birdwatchers and garden enthusiasts alike.
