Re: hummingbirds

         I've been fairly successful and growing a hummingbird garden for a
least 10 yrs. I have to agree that it takes both flowers and feeders. Hummers
have to learn how to use the feeders. They are very curious about anything
red and will test flowers to see if they are worth eating. They also eat
gnats and other small insects for protein.

I've found the all time favorite hummer plants to be the Coral Honeysuckle
(native in the south east), Lady in Red Salvia, Mexican Sage Salvia ( Salvia
Leucantha), Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans), Blue sage (Salvia guaranitica),
Cypress Vine (Lonicera Quamoclit, native in the south east), Small Red
Morning Glory (in the Lonicera Family, native in the south, commonly found
growing in soy bean fields), Trumpet Creeper ( Campsis radicans, can be
invasive in certain areas),  Cardinal Flower (Lobelia Cardinalis), Shrimp
Plant (Justicia brandegeana), Cigar plant (Cuphea ignea and other species),
Manettia (Manettia cordifolia or Candy Corn and  other species), Jewelweed
(Impatient capensis), Nicotiana, Indian Pink (Spigelia Marilandica) and
Abutilon ( non hybridized species)
        These flowers I grow in my garden and I've only listed the ones that
flower for me over a long period of time  (spring through summer). There are
tons of other plants that are good hummingbird flowers but bloom for short
periods of time. By far, the best for me are the Coral Honeysuckle, Lady in
Red Salvia and the Manettia ( the all red variety). It is best to choose old
heirloom variety of plants. Most hybridizations of flowers breed for things
other than nectar production. When shopping for plants in a nursery, look for
those plants already flowering to check the flowers for nectar before
purchasing. I know that's opposite what some gardeners do, but we are looking
for nectar production.
         Some flowers I've listed are native plants that can only be found
in the wild. Do not remove plants from their native habitat such as, Indian
Pink,  Jewelweed and Small Red Morning Glory. Collect the seeds if possible
or locate a nursery that specializes in native species.
            Hope this helps!

CherrylM
Louisiana Zone 8b
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