ATTRACTING HUMMINGBIRDS WITH PLANTS

What plants do I have that attract hummingbirds? Well, the first sighting in spring that I have taken note of is the red Salvia greggi.  With the name, red lipstick sage, it earns the seductress of the garden bed award. 

Salvia gregii, plant not just one, but at least 5. After the first flush of color seems spent I trim the spikes down several inches to encourage reflowering.

.

.

.

Hesperaloe, hummingbird yucca

I can't tell you the number of people asking me the name for the plant "with the pretty pink flowers". Hesperaloe parviflora, also known as red yucca, hummingbird yucca, redflower false yucca and samandoque, is a succulent plant in the Asparagaceae family (subfamily Agavoideae) that is native to the Chihuahuan and Coahuilan deserts of Northern Mexico, as well as Central, Southern and Western Texas; today, it is often seen in roadside planting swathes and public areas, or used for corporate or office exterior landscaping. It is also quite popular in collector gardens and among private gardeners who are striving for a more water-wise approach.

.

.

.

I equate the first day of summer with the arrival of the bright red blooms of the hummingbird bush and turk's cap.

.

.

.

Hummingbird Bush, Wright flame  acanthus. Anisacanthus quadrifidus 

Anisacanthus quadrifidus is a species of flowering plant native to west and south-central Texas in the United States and adjacent northern Mexico down through the state of Oaxaca. It is an increasingly common ornamental shrub in Texas and is cultivated in other parts of the Southwestern United States. These somewhat deciduous shrubs (3) are planted in a protected corner of a fenced area. Because much of their new growth is supported by thin twigs I support the shrub with metal fencing. To add additional pop to this corner of the garden I have added red Turk's cap. The hummingbirds would be hard pressed to miss that much red. Since hummingbirds are territorial if I approach the window to capture a glance of these fascinating creatures, on occasion that will fly over to the window to challenge my presence, depending on your perception or perspective it seems to say, "This is my gold mine, scram or thank you!" 

.

.

.

Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii, Drummond's Turk's Cap

This spreading shrub or perennial, often as broad as high, grows 2-3 ft., bright-red, pendant, hibiscus-like flowers never fully open, their petals overlapping to form a loose tube with the staminal column protruding, said to resemble a Turkish turban, hence its most common name, Turk's Cap is especially useful in shady situations. It is easily propagated from seed.

References

How the use of Feeders Affects the Use of Local Floral Resouces by Hummingbirds: A Case Study from Northern Arizona.

https://bioone.org/journals/the-condor/volume-110/issue-4/cond.2008.8621/How-the-Presence-of-Feeders-Affects-the-Use-of-Local/10.1525/cond.2008.8621.full

John Gould (1804-1881):  https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17nbTpmrAW/

https://scolarcardiff.wordpress.com/2012/07/31/john-goulds-hummingbirds-a-victorian-obsession/

 ___________________________________________________   © 2024 Hyden Photography for 

Grassroots Horticulture __________________________________________________