Did you know that hummingbirds will often visit the same feeders or yard yearly if they know there is a reliable food source for them. Ruby throated hummingbirds are the hummingbird species most found in South Dakota. While we are near the end of the hummingbird season for the year, it is a great time to plant hummingbird attracting plants to attract more of them to your yard next year.
Hummingbirds can be seen in South Dakota from typically mid-May to early September, mostly seen during the early and later part of that time frame as they often move on to their breeding grounds in the summer and then travel back through South Dakota on their migration back south. To provide proper food for hummingbirds, plants rich in nectar are highly attractive to hummingbirds for refueling while traveling on their migration.
Since hummingbirds make their appearance both in the spring and late summer, having flowers blooming during those times is important. Thankfully, hummingbirds like a variety of annual and perennial flowers as their blooms of choice.
Mid-to-Late Spring Bloomers
Choosing annuals and spring perennials for early flowers will also allow you to utilize the annuals as attractors for the later season migration also.
Annuals
Lantana, Petunias, Fuchsia, Cuphea and Zinnia, Salvia
Perennials
Columbine, Penstemon, Salvia, Bleeding Heart
Late Summer Bloomers
The same annuals that are used for spring migration will again attract hummingbirds in the summer.
Perennials
Bee Balm, Sunflowers, Phlox, Coral Bells, Trumpet Vine, Honeysuckle
To allow for the plants to become established and start to flower in a timely manner next year in time for hummingbirds, late summer and fall is a great time to plant! The warm soil (and this year’s moist soil) allows roots to start growing and establishing before the winter freeze up. Next spring and summer you will be glad you took the steps this year to plant when you can start to watch hummingbirds enjoy your garden!
