I was working on a display bed yesterday when I gradually became
aware of lots of Hummingbird chatter in the background. I turned around
to find maybe half a dozen hummingbirds hovering and circling the
Anisacanthus wrightii patch. When disturbed, they flew to the Salvia
'Hot Lips'. This probably had been going on for days and weeks, but I
had just noticed.
Hummingbird activity has stepped up heading towards fall and their
migration south. It is nice to think that my planting scheme has
included many Hummingbird favorites.
 |
| Anisacanthus wrightii |
Anisacanthus wrightii (Texas Firecracker) is a tough
competitor in heat and drought. It flowers thru the summer till frost,
and attracts bees, butterflies, and especially Hummingbirds.
 |
| Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue' |
Salvias There are many Salvia species and cultivars
that perform very well in the heat and drought of summer. If you want a
perennial that does not require any work, but flowers all summer,
attracts all sorts of wildlife, and is also deer resistant, this is your
best choice.
 |
| Guara lindheimeri |
Gaura lindheimeri I used to think I did not like
this slightly floppy perennial. Although still little loose in full
sun, it does really flower well all summer, and attracts the same range
of bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
 |
| Abutilon megapotanicum |
Abutilon megapotanicum LOVE this shrub, loaded with
red buds and flowers opening with their dainy yellow petticoats showing.
And so do the Hummingbirds!!
It is pretty easy to entertain me, I guess. But there's no substitute
for watching those aggressive little acrobats fight for food and
territory, and enjoy those flowery food sources in your garden at the
same time!
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