Six native nectar plants with staggered bloom times to fuel hummingbirds from spring through fall.
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca)
Fragrant pink flower clusters bloom in early summer, providing abundant nectar for hummingbirds while serving as the essential host plant for monarch butterflies. This robust native supports the complete lifecycle of monarchs and attracts diverse pollinators with its sweet scent.
Height: 3-5 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun
Bloom Period: Blooms July to September
Soil Moisture: Dry to Medium
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 80 seeds per pack, covers 30 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-8
*Cold, moist stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at depth stated on packet. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia Cardinalis)
Brilliant scarlet flower spikes are specifically adapted for hummingbird pollination, creating an irresistible beacon from mid-summer through fall. This moisture-loving native thrives in partial shade and consistently moist soil, rewarding you with non-stop hummingbird visits.
Height: 1-3 feet tall
Sunlight: Part Sun to Full Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms July to August
Soil Moisture: Medium to Wet
Seeds Per Packet: 200 seeds per pack, covers 30 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 4-9
*Cold, moist stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
Wild Bergamot (Monarda Fistulosa)
Lavender-pink tubular flowers form shaggy pompom-like clusters in mid-summer, beloved by hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees alike. This aromatic native with minty-scented foliage tolerates drought once established and blooms for weeks.
Height: 3-5 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms July to September
Soil Moisture: Dry to Medium
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 150 seeds per pack, covers 30 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9
*No pre-treatment required. Sow seed at depth specified on packet. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana)
Spikes of pink tubular flowers bloom from late summer into fall, providing critical nectar when hummingbirds are fueling up for migration. The unique flowers stay in place when bent (hence "obedient"), and this adaptable native thrives in sun to part shade.
Height: 3-4 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun
Bloom Period: Blooms July to September
Soil Moisture: Medium to Moist
Seeds Per Packet: 70 seeds per pack, covers 30 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9
*Wet and cold stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a reusable container or plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter
Wild Columbine (Aquilegia Canadensis)
Delicate red and yellow nodding flowers dangle like tiny lanterns in spring, perfectly designed for hummingbird beaks and tongues. This graceful woodland native is often the first nectar source available to returning hummingbirds in early spring.
Height: 1-3 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms June to July
Soil Moisture: Medium to Moist
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 80 seeds per pack, covers 30 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-8
*Cold, moist stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon Digitalis)
White tubular flowers with subtle purple markings bloom on tall spikes in late spring to early summer, attracting hummingbirds and native bees. This versatile native adapts to various soil conditions and provides an elegant vertical element with excellent drought tolerance.
Height: 3-4 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms June to July
Soil Moisture: Medium
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 200 seeds per pack, covers 30 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 4-8
*Wet and cold stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
