Attracting hummingbirds to your garden in the Northern Plains can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Hummingbirds are drawn to brightly colored, nectar-rich flowers with tubular shapes that allow them to access the sweet nectar using their specialized long beaks. When selecting flowers for your garden, consider those that are native to the region and well-adapted to the local climate. Here are some beautiful Northern Plains flowers that are known to attract hummingbirds:
- Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): Also known as Bee Balm, Wild Bergamot produces clusters of lavender-pink flowers with a delightful fragrance. It blooms from mid to late summer and is a favorite of both hummingbirds and bees.
- Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens): This native honeysuckle variety features vibrant red, tubular flowers with yellow interiors. It blooms from late spring through summer, providing a long-lasting nectar source for hummingbirds.
- Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): The Cardinal Flower is a striking perennial with tall spikes of bright red, tubular flowers. It blooms from mid to late summer and is highly attractive to hummingbirds.
- Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis): Columbine is a charming wildflower with red and yellow flowers that resemble small, hanging lanterns. It blooms in late spring to early summer, enticing hummingbirds with its unique shape and nectar.
- Scarlet Beebalm (Monarda didyma): Also known as Scarlet Monarda or Oswego Tea, this variety of Bee Balm produces clusters of brilliant red flowers. It blooms from mid to late summer and is a magnet for hummingbirds.
- Penstemon (Penstemon spp.): There are several native Penstemon species in the Northern Plains, and they come in various colors, including shades of pink, red, and purple. They bloom from late spring to summer, providing a rich nectar source for hummingbirds.
- Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis): Similar to the cultivated varieties, Wild Columbine features red and yellow flowers that are uniquely shaped and appealing to hummingbirds. It blooms from late spring to early summer.
- Bee Balm (Monarda bradburiana): Another Bee Balm species, Monarda bradburiana, has lovely lavender-pink flowers that attract both hummingbirds and butterflies. It blooms from late spring to early summer.
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Purple Coneflower is a popular native perennial with pink to purple flowers and a raised central cone. It blooms from mid-summer to fall, providing a late-season nectar source for hummingbirds.
- Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum): Prairie Smoke is a unique wildflower with nodding, bell-shaped flowers that open into feathery, smoke-like seed heads. It blooms in late spring to early summer and is known to attract hummingbirds.
Remember that to create a hummingbird-friendly garden, it’s essential to provide a continuous bloom of nectar-rich flowers throughout the hummingbird migration and breeding seasons. In addition to planting these flowers, consider providing a hummingbird feeder with a sugar water solution to supplement their nectar needs. Providing a water source, such as a birdbath or shallow basin, will also attract these delightful creatures to your garden.