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Hummingbirds are a delightful addition to any garden, especially in Zone 7 where the climate supports a variety of flowering plants. Choosing the right seasonal blooms can ensure your garden attracts these vibrant birds year-round. This guide highlights the best seasonal blooms for attracting hummingbirds in Zone 7, helping you create a hummingbird-friendly sanctuary.
Spring Blooms
Spring is the season when hummingbirds return from their winter migrations. Providing early blooms can encourage their arrival and keep them visiting throughout the season.
- Columbine (Aquilegia): These delicate flowers bloom in early spring and are loved by hummingbirds for their tubular shape.
- Bee Balm (Monarda): With vibrant red, pink, or purple flowers, bee balm attracts hummingbirds and pollinators alike.
- Redbud (Cercis canadensis): Its bright pink blossoms appear in early spring, offering a perfect nectar source.
Summer Blooms
Summer is peak hummingbird activity. Planting a variety of summer blooms ensures a continuous nectar supply during their most active months.
- Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans): Its large, tubular orange or red flowers are a hummingbird magnet.
- Salvia (Salvia spp.): Many varieties bloom in summer with vibrant reds and purples, perfect for attracting hummingbirds.
- Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): Bright red flowers bloom in mid to late summer, drawing hummingbirds in droves.
Fall Blooms
As the seasons change, providing late-season blooms can support hummingbirds preparing for migration. These plants offer vital nectar late into the year.
- Goldenrod (Solidago spp.): Its bright yellow flowers bloom in late summer and fall, attracting hummingbirds.
- Orange Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata): This vine produces trumpet-shaped orange flowers in fall.
- Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.): While often grown as an annual, some varieties bloom into fall with vibrant, nectar-rich flowers.
Additional Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
Besides planting the right flowers, consider these tips to enhance hummingbird attraction:
- Provide hummingbird feeders filled with a sugar-water solution (4 parts water to 1 part sugar).
- Avoid pesticides that can harm hummingbirds and their food sources.
- Plant in clusters of the same species to make it easier for hummingbirds to find nectar.
- Place plants strategically near windows or sitting areas for easy observation.
Conclusion
Creating a hummingbird-friendly garden in Zone 7 involves selecting the right seasonal blooms and providing additional resources. By planting a variety of flowers that bloom throughout the year, you can enjoy the vibrant presence of hummingbirds in your garden from spring through fall. Happy gardening!