Growing Flowers for Hummingbirds

The Ruby Throated Hummingbird is the only hummingbird that lives in Ontario. The male has the characteristic iridescent red throat but this colouring is absent on the female. They are our smallest bird and their active metabolism requires a constant supply of high energy food. This intriguing bird can be attracted to your yard by planting flowers that are high in nectar. Their favourites are red, tubular-shaped blooms such as Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Scarlet Bergamot (Monarda didyma), jewelweed (Impatiens sp.), columbine, foxglove, hollyhock, hibiscus, morning glory, blazing star (Liatris sp.), butterfly bush (Buddleia), red tobacco flower (Nicotiana sp.) and Scarlet Sage (Salvia).

Plan to plant some of these flowers next spring to add a new dimension to your garden.