Hummingbird havens

Discover native flowers, shrubs and garden favorites that provide nectar through fall.

Hummingbirds are a delight to watch with their aerial acrobatics and vibrant jewel-toned plumage. In Oklahoma, ruby-throated hummingbirds are the most widespread species, easily recognized by their emerald plumage. Males bear the distinctive ruby-colored throat that gives the species its name. In western Oklahoma, black-chinned hummingbirds dominate. They have a similar metallic green coloration, but males have black throat feathers with a thin purple band. During fall migrations, rufous hummingbirds occasionally pass through on their way to southern wintering grounds.

These tiny birds are always eating. Hummingbirds use their long beaks to sip nectar from tubular-shaped flowers, favoring red and orange blooms. To support hummingbirds, plant a variety of nectar-rich plants that bloom in succession throughout the year. Include annual and perennial plants, as well as shrubs, vines and trees.

Grab their attention in spring

Hummingbirds return to Oklahoma from wintering sites in mid-April. Spring migrations coincide with the flowering period of three native plants that perform well in home gardens: red buckeye (Aesculus pavia), clove currants (Ribes odoratum) and columbine (Aquilegia canadensis). Red buckeye is an understory tree found in eastern Oklahoma that produces an incredible show of spring blooms. Clove currant, a mid-sized shrub, grows throughout much of the state, perfuming the spring garden with fragrant yellow blooms. Columbine requires little introduction and is a known hummingbird magnet. As spring progresses, beard tongues (Penstemon spp.) and Indian pink (Spigelia marilandica) keep the hummers happy.

Retain with repeat bloomers

Some of the best hummingbird plants produce flowers over multiple seasons. The gorgeous coral honeysuckle vine (Lonicera sempervirens) produces a flush of red to coral-pink blooms in spring followed by continuous flowers all season. Likewise, glossy abelia (Abelia x grandiflora) produces sweet-scented blooms spring, summer and fall. Another handsome plant that adds structure and long-lasting flowers is desert willow (Chilopsis linearis). This drought-tolerant beauty grows as a small tree with an airy canopy and produces stunning orchid-like blooms.

Of course, planting annuals as soon as the weather allows is a great way to introduce quick pops of color and nectar-rich blossoms in spring followed by blooms that last through the summertime. Shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeeana), Egyptian star flower (Pentas lanceolata) and million bells (Calibrachoa hybrids) are excellent annuals for attracting and keeping hummingbirds in the garden.

Summer standouts

Salvias are among the best flowering plants for hummingbirds. Some are frost tender and commonly grown as annuals while others are quite cold hardy. For early summer blooms consider ‘May Night’ salvia (Salvia x sylvestris) or the long blooming ‘Amistad’ salvia, which flowers spring through frost. ‘Hot Lips’ salvia (Salvia microphylla) is a stellar summer-bloomer with bicolor flowers, while autumn sage (Salvia greggii) produces a heavy flush of blooms in spring and fall with sporadic summer flowers.

Despite their relatively small flowers, hummingbirds are also attracted to the blossoms of phlox and verbenas. On drier sites, the tubular blooms of red yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) and red hot poker (Kniphofia spp.) offer water-wise options. Bee balm (Monarda didyma) is another hummingbird favorite and a wonderful garden plant.

Don’t stop the blooms

Hummingbirds begin migrating south in September but linger in Oklahoma throughout October. Several late season bloomers provide an excellent source of nectar to fuel migrations.

The aptly named hummingbird bush (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii) is a drought-tolerant superstar with red blooms mid-summer through fall. Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii) is another late-season favorite with plenty of flair. Finally, firebush (Hamelia patens) makes a stunning addition to the fall garden, for hummingbirds and gardeners alike