In the central and northeastern United States, where winters can be particularly brutal, there lies an enchanting region known as Zone 5. Despite the harsh conditions, this area is not devoid of beauty, thanks to the presence of ten exquisite flowers that have the power to attract the magnificent hummingbirds. Morning Glory, Nasturtiums, Zinnia, Agastache, Impatiens, Columbine, Coneflower, and Penstemon are just a few examples of these resilient plants. With their nectar-rich blossoms and the ability to withstand the zone’s minimum temperatures, these flowers bring not only vibrant colors but also the joyful presence of hummingbirds to any garden. So, for those in Zone 5 seeking to add some allure to their outdoor haven, planting these flowers in full sun and well-draining soil conditions could be the perfect solution.
Morning Glory
Description and Characteristics
Morning Glory is a beautiful flowering vine that is known for its vibrant and showy blooms. This plant belongs to the Convolvulaceae family and is native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Morning Glory flowers come in a variety of colors including blue, purple, pink, and white, with some varieties featuring stunning bi-colored petals. The flowers typically bloom in the morning and close in the afternoon, hence the name “Morning Glory.”
How to Grow and Care
Morning Glory is a relatively easy plant to grow and can be a great addition to any garden. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil conditions. If you are growing Morning Glory from seeds, it is recommended to start them indoors about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Once the danger of frost has passed, you can transplant the seedlings into your garden or containers.
When planting Morning Glory, make sure to provide a trellis or support structure for the vine to climb. This will help the plant reach its full potential and create a beautiful vertical display. Morning Glory prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH level between 6 and 7. Additionally, make sure to water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar-rich flowers of the Morning Glory, making it a great choice for attracting these beautiful birds to your garden. To further enhance its appeal to hummingbirds, you can consider planting other hummingbird-friendly flowers nearby, such as Bee Balm or Penstemon. Creating a diverse and colorful garden will not only attract hummingbirds but also add beauty to your outdoor space.
Nasturtiums
Description and Characteristics
Nasturtiums are popular annual flowers that are admired for their vibrant and cheerful blooms. These flowers belong to the Tropaeolum genus and are native to the Andes Mountains in South America. Nasturtiums come in a range of colors, including shades of red, orange, yellow, and cream. They have round, flat leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom throughout the summer months.
How to Grow and Care
Nasturtiums are relatively easy to grow and can be a great choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. They prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade, making them versatile in various garden settings. Nasturtiums can be grown from seeds or purchased as established plants.
When planting Nasturtiums, make sure to choose a well-draining soil. They can tolerate relatively poor soil conditions, but prefer fertile soil that is slightly acidic. Water the plants regularly, but be careful not to overwater as it can cause root rot. Deadheading the spent flowers can encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
Nasturtiums are known to attract hummingbirds with their bright and nectar-filled flowers. To maximize their appeal to hummingbirds, plant Nasturtiums in hanging baskets or containers near windows or seating areas where you can observe these agile birds up close. Adding a bird feeder or hummingbird-friendly water source nearby can also help attract these lovely creatures to your garden.
Zinnia
Description and Characteristics
Zinnias are popular annual flowers that are prized for their long-lasting and vibrant blooms. These plants belong to the Asteraceae family and are native to Mexico and parts of South America. Zinnias come in a wide range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink, and purple. They have daisy-like flowers with a prominent central disk and can be single or double-petaled.
How to Grow and Care
Zinnias are relatively easy to grow and are a wonderful choice for adding a splash of color to your garden. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil conditions. Zinnias can be grown from seeds, either directly sown into the garden or started indoors and transplanted.
When planting Zinnias, make sure to provide enough space between each plant to allow for adequate air circulation. This helps prevent diseases that can affect the foliage and flowers. Water the plants regularly, but be careful not to overwater as it can lead to root rot. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage continuous blooming and prolong the beauty of your Zinnias.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
Zinnias are a favorite of hummingbirds, thanks to their vibrant and nectar-rich flowers. To attract these delightful birds to your garden, consider planting a variety of Zinnia colors and sizes. This will create a visually appealing display and provide a buffet of nectar options for hummingbirds. Adding a shallow bird bath or fountain nearby can also help attract these magical creatures and provide them with a water source.
Agastache
Description and Characteristics
Agastache, commonly known as Hyssop or Hummingbird Mint, is a perennial herb that is highly attractive to hummingbirds. This plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is native to North America. Agastache flowers come in a range of colors, including purple, pink, and orange. They have tubular, nectar-filled flowers that bloom in dense spikes.
How to Grow and Care
Agastache is relatively easy to grow and is a great addition to any garden. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil conditions. Agastache can be grown from seeds or purchased as established plants.
When planting Agastache, make sure to provide enough space between each plant to allow for air circulation. This helps prevent fungal diseases that can affect the foliage and flowers. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering. Agastache is drought-tolerant once established and can handle periods of dryness.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
Agastache is a favorite among hummingbirds, thanks to its nectar-rich flowers and attractive fragrance. To enhance its appeal to hummingbirds, consider planting Agastache near other hummingbird-friendly flowers such as Penstemon or Bee Balm. The combination of these plants will create a diverse and vibrant garden that is irresistible to hummingbirds. Additionally, keep bird feeders filled with fresh nectar and provide a water source to attract these beautiful birds.
Impatiens
Description and Characteristics
Impatiens, also known as Busy Lizzies, are popular annual flowers that are widely admired for their ability to thrive in shady areas. These plants belong to the Balsaminaceae family and are native to East Africa. Impatiens come in a variety of colors, including shades of pink, red, orange, purple, and white. They have simple, lobed leaves and produce clusters of showy flowers.
How to Grow and Care
Impatiens are relatively easy to grow and can be a great choice for adding a splash of color to shady areas in your garden. They prefer partial to full shade and well-drained soil conditions. Impatiens can be grown from seeds or purchased as established plants.
When planting Impatiens, make sure to provide enough space between each plant to allow for air circulation. This helps prevent fungal diseases that can affect the foliage and flowers. Water the plants regularly, as they prefer consistently moist soil. Applying a layer of mulch can help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
While Impatiens are not known for attracting hummingbirds as much as other flowers, they can still provide a food source for these birds in shaded areas of the garden. Consider planting Impatiens alongside other hummingbird-friendly flowers such as Columbine or Bee Balm to create a mix of sunlight and shade in your garden. This will not only attract hummingbirds but also add variety and visual interest to your outdoor space.
Columbine
Description and Characteristics
Columbine is a beautiful perennial flower that adds elegance and grace to any garden. This plant belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and is native to meadows and woodlands in North America. Columbine flowers come in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, pink, white, and yellow. They have unique and intricate flowers, with petals that resemble a cluster of small, elongated tubes.
How to Grow and Care
Columbine is relatively easy to grow and can be a stunning addition to any garden. It thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil conditions. Columbine can be grown from seeds, but it can also be purchased as established plants.
When planting Columbine, make sure to provide enough space between each plant to allow for air circulation. This helps prevent fungal diseases that can affect the foliage and flowers. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering. Columbine is relatively drought-tolerant once established and can handle periods of dryness.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
Columbine is a favorite of hummingbirds, thanks to its nectar-rich flowers and unique shape. To attract these beautiful birds to your garden, plant a variety of Columbine colors and sizes. This will provide a diverse and visually appealing display that hummingbirds can’t resist. Columbine also serves as a host plant for the larvae of some butterflies, adding additional beauty and ecological value to your garden.
Coneflower
Description and Characteristics
Coneflower, also known as Echinacea, is a popular perennial flower that is admired for its striking and long-lasting blooms. This plant belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native to central and eastern North America. Coneflower flowers come in a variety of colors, including shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow. They have a prominent center cone surrounded by petals that radiate outward.
How to Grow and Care
Coneflower is relatively easy to grow and can be a showstopper in any garden. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil conditions. Coneflower can be grown from seeds, but it can also be purchased as established plants.
When planting Coneflower, make sure to provide enough space between each plant to allow for air circulation. This helps prevent diseases that can affect the foliage and flowers. Water the plants regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, Coneflower is relatively drought-tolerant and can handle periods of dryness.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
Coneflower is highly attractive to hummingbirds, thanks to its vibrant and nectar-filled flowers. To attract even more hummingbirds to your garden, plant Coneflower in clusters or large groups. This creates a visually stunning display that catches the attention of passing hummingbirds. Adding a bird feeder or hummingbird-friendly water source nearby can also help attract and nourish these delightful birds.
Penstemon
Description and Characteristics
Penstemon, also known as Beardtongue, is a perennial flower that offers stunning blooms and attracts hummingbirds to your garden. This plant belongs to the Plantaginaceae family and is native to North America. Penstemon flowers come in a variety of colors, including shades of blue, purple, pink, and red. They have tubular flowers with prominent stamens that give them a unique and captivating appearance.
How to Grow and Care
Penstemon is relatively easy to grow and can be a valuable addition to any garden. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil conditions. Penstemon can be grown from seeds or purchased as established plants.
When planting Penstemon, make sure to choose a location with good air circulation to prevent diseases that can affect the foliage and flowers. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering. Penstemon is relatively drought-tolerant once established and can handle periods of dryness.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
Penstemon is highly attractive to hummingbirds, thanks to its nectar-rich flowers and unique shape. To attract these delightful birds to your garden, plant a variety of Penstemon colors and sizes. Grouping them together or planting them near other hummingbird-friendly flowers such as Zinnia or Agastache will create an irresistible oasis for hummingbirds. Providing a birdbath or water source nearby will also help attract these beautiful birds and keep them coming back for more.
Butterfly Bush
Description and Characteristics
Butterfly Bush, also known as Buddleia, is a perennial shrub that is highly attractive to both butterflies and hummingbirds. This plant belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family and is native to Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Butterfly Bush flowers come in a variety of colors, including shades of purple, pink, white, and yellow. They have long, tubular blooms arranged in dense clusters that attract a myriad of pollinators.
How to Grow and Care
Butterfly Bush is relatively easy to grow and can be a focal point in any garden. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil conditions. Butterfly Bush can be grown from seeds, but it is also readily available as established plants.
When planting Butterfly Bush, make sure to provide enough space for its mature size, as some varieties can grow quite large. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells, but be careful not to overwater as it can lead to root rot. Pruning the shrub in early spring helps promote vigorous growth and encourages more flowers.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
Butterfly Bush is highly attractive to hummingbirds due to its nectar-rich flowers and the abundance of pollinators it attracts. To attract hummingbirds to your garden, consider planting Butterfly Bush in areas of your yard that are visible from windows or seating areas. This will allow you to observe these enchanting birds up close. Adding a variety of other hummingbird-friendly flowers nearby, such as Agastache or Zinnia, will create a diverse and enticing habitat for hummingbirds.
Bee Balm
Description and Characteristics
Bee Balm, also known as Monarda, is a colorful perennial flower that not only attracts bees but also hummingbirds to your garden. This plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is native to North America. Bee Balm flowers come in a variety of colors, including shades of red, pink, purple, and white. They have unique tubular flowers arranged in dense, showy clusters.
How to Grow and Care
Bee Balm is relatively easy to grow and can be a valuable addition to any garden. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil conditions. Bee Balm can be grown from seeds, but it is also readily available as established plants.
When planting Bee Balm, make sure to provide enough space between each plant to allow for good air circulation. This helps prevent diseases that can affect the foliage and flowers. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plants will help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
Bee Balm is highly attractive to hummingbirds, thanks to its nectar-rich flowers and vibrant colors. To attract these delightful birds to your garden, plant Bee Balm in groups or clusters to create a visually stunning display. Planting Bee Balm near other hummingbird-friendly flowers such as Nasturtiums or Penstemon will create an irresistible oasis for hummingbirds. Additionally, providing a water source such as a birdbath or shallow fountain will help attract and sustain these beautiful birds in your garden.
In conclusion, there are many flowers that can attract hummingbirds in zone 5, even in areas with harsh winters. Morning Glory, Nasturtiums, Zinnia, Agastache, Impatiens, Columbine, Coneflower, Penstemon, Butterfly Bush, and Bee Balm are just a few examples of plants that can thrive in this region and provide a nectar-rich haven for hummingbirds. By selecting a variety of these flowers, providing the right growing conditions, and adding a water source, you can create a beautiful and enticing garden that will captivate both humans and hummingbirds alike. So go ahead, get your gardening gloves on, and let the magic of hummingbirds fill your garden in zone 5!
