Exploring Nature: Blooms & Blossoms

I have an orchid plant with lovely purple blossoms which sits against a window in my living room. I have noticed hummingbirds flying up against the window outside and attempting to sip from the blossoms.

Which led me to wonder what other flowers and blooms might be attractive to these little flying jewels.

I did some research and found there are several native plants that feed hummingbirds. These include American water-willow, bee balm, columbine, penstemon, powder puff tree, red-flowering currant and salvia.

I have some salvia bushes at my place, and I have seen butterflies hovering around them and assume hummingbirds are also attracted.

One of our most common hummers is the black-chinned variety. It ranges from southern Mexico to British Columbia and is commonly seen but sometimes overlooked in favor of flashier species like the ruby-throated or rufous hummers.

Black-chinned are closely related to ruby-throats, and the territories of the two birds meet right here in central Texas — lucky us.

Nectar-rich shrubs that attract hummingbirds include rhododendron, rose of Sharon, weigela and camelia. My favorite is probably camelia, which comes in more than 250 species, with bloom times ranging from late fall to early spring.

Top trees to attract hummers include catalpa, hawthorn and tulip tree. As a bonus benefit, these trees also serve as host trees for various butterflies and moths.

I am advised a smart way to plant these shrubs is to stack them up — plant a mixed border in a stairstep arrangement, going from ground covers to taller flowers, with large shrubs in the background to maximize space.

If you’re not feeling ambitious enough to plant new shrubs and trees, take a tip from me and put a pretty purple orchid in your window.