Six native nectar plants with staggered bloom times to fuel hummingbirds from spring through fall.
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias Incarnata)
Fragrant pink flower clusters bloom profusely in mid-summer, offering abundant nectar for hummingbirds while hosting monarch caterpillars. This moisture-loving native thrives in wet conditions without spreading aggressively, making it ideal for garden settings.
Height: 2-5 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms August to September
Soil Moisture: Medium to Wet
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 75 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 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.
Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia Siphilitica)
Vibrant blue tubular flowers line tall spikes from late summer through fall, providing essential late-season fuel for migrating hummingbirds. This moisture-loving native brings rare true-blue colour to the garden and tolerates both wet and average soils.
Height: 1-3 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms July to September
Soil Moisture: Medium to Moist
Seeds Per Packet: Over 200 seeds per package, covers 30 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9
*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 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.
Dense Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata)
Striking purple flower spikes bloom uniquely from top to bottom in mid-to-late summer, creating vertical drama that hummingbirds can't resist. This prairie native adapts well to various conditions and provides nectar when many other plants have finished blooming.
Height: 3-5 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun
Bloom Period: Blooms August to September
Soil Moisture: Medium to Moist
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 80 seeds per package, covers 40 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-10
*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.
Dotted Mint (Monarda Punctata)
Unique tiered whorls of yellow tubular flowers with purple spots bloom from summer into fall, surrounded by showy pink or purple bracts. This drought-tolerant native attracts hummingbirds and specialist bees while thriving in sandy or well-drained soils.
Height: 1-3 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun
Bloom Period: Blooms August to October
Soil Moisture: Dry to Medium
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 200+ seeds per pack, covers 30 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9
*No pre-treatment required. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
Hairy Beardtongue (Penstemon Hirsutus)
Delicate lavender-white tubular flowers bloom on slender spikes in late spring to early summer, perfectly sized for hummingbird beaks. This compact native thrives in rocky or well-drained soils and provides early-season nectar when hummingbirds are establishing territories.
Height: 1-2 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms May to June
Soil Moisture: Dry to Medium
Seeds Per Packet: 200 seeds per packet, 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 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.
