Our first Ruby-throated Hummingbird arrived last year (2010) on April 15th.
We hang our nectar feeders by the last week of March since the migration
north online maps show that there are fast-moving individuals moving
through. Unfortunately, we do not seem to be able to pull these fast-lane
hummers down from above. In our yard we do have a collection of
hummingbird-friendly native plants that bloom by the second week of April.
Jim & Fawn
Palmer, Westmoreland County, VA
Date of first bloom in Jim & Fawn Palmer's yard, Westmoreland County, VA.
Common & Latin Names
Hummingbird attractiveness
Habitat preferences and cultivation notes.
4/11/2010.
Coral Honeysuckle
Trumpet Honeysuckle
Lonicera sempervirens
One of the Top 10 natural nectar natives for hummingbirds. Average sugar
concentration ranged between 18.5% - 24.0%. (Dennis Demcheck, "Sugar Content
of Hummingbird Plants in Louisiana Gardens" table--'Sugar Concentrations for
30 selected plants, May 2001 - November 2002.' Louisiana Ornithological
Society Newsletter March 2003.)
A woody vine that needs sturdy support. Can be contained on a sturdy, 8 ft.
trellis. Not overly aggressive, pruned back in late fall or mid winter.
Average soil & water. Does best in light shade but will thrive in a full sun
location if given regular, deep watering. Expect to bloom in fast flushes
from spring until late August, sporadically thereafter until frost.
4/12/2010.
Red Buckeye
Aesculus pavia
One of the Top 10 natural nectar natives for hummingbirds. A major source of
food for ruby-throated hummingbirds migrating north in the spring. Test
yields for sugar concentrations that ranged from 18.6% - 34.6%. (Dennis
Demcheck, personal communication to Arlene Koch, 3-17-2008).
A woodland understory native. Prefers moist, partial shade with rich, humusy
soil. A north-facing aspect is best. If supplied with ample, regular water,
will grow in full sun. Expect the showy 5"- 8"blooming racemes to be present
for about two weeks each year. The nuts are not edible, being slightly
poisonous to humans. When the ripe nuts drop to the ground, collect them and
bury around the yard in suitable habitat. Cold-stratification is necessary
for germination.
4/12/2010.
Crossvine
Bignonia capreolata
A good natural nectar native for hummingbirds.
A robust, native woody vine that can survive a southern, full sun aspect
against a brick wall with a punishing daily heat regime. Moisture
requirements are average to moist. Needs strong, parachute-type cording for
support and room to grow upwards at least 25 feet. Will smother a large
trellis unless pruned hard each year. Expect abundant bloom once a year for
about two and half weeks. Flowers on old wood, prune in May.
4/14/201.
Native Columbine
Aquilegia Canadensis
One of the Top 10 natural nectar natives for hummingbirds.
Can be in partial shade or full sun. Requires a regular supply of moisture
with sharp drainage to thrive.
4/15/2010.
Coast Azalea
Rhododendron atlanticum
Prefers moist shade, a north-facing aspect & slightly acidic soil.
4/15/2010.
Swamp Azalea
Rhododendron viscosum
Prefers moist shade, a north-facing aspect & slightly acidic soil.
4/15/2010.
Pinxter Azalea
Rhododendron periclymenoides
Prefers moist shade, a north-facing aspect & slightly acidic soil.
