Herbs for Hummingbirds

I was looking around my herb garden this week doing some planning which includes replacing some herb plants our Hummingbirds enjoy.   Too often people think they only visit red flowering plants so they load up on Fuchsia baskets and completely miss another category of plants these birds love, herbs! Below are some herbs you might consider trying in your own garden.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalus) a culinary favorite is also a hummer favorite and long season bloomer in my garden.  It requires full sun and very good drainage.   Blooms are produced on previous year’s growth so resist pruning until just after the blooms fade which will aid in producing new branches for next year’s flowers.

Cat Mint (Nepeta x fassinii), blooms off and on all summer into fall with proper dead heading.  Cats are somewhat attracted to this plant but not as much as catnip (Nepeta cataria) so if you are planting it for the Hummers try putting it in a hanging basket or tall planter.

Bee Balm (Mondarda didyma), a summer bloomer which comes in red, but also in soft lavender, bright pink, white and soft pink.  This herb will take some shade and appreciates regular water for best flowering.

Culinary Sage (Salvia officinalis), with blue blooms in spring.

Tulbaghia violacea AKA Society Garlic  A tender perennial whose variegated form of this is often used as a pond plant though grows well in the garden too.

Lavender officinalis or L. x intermedia with its flowers that come in dark and light lavender/blue, pink or white.

For more information on Hummingbirds check out our Hummingbird info on our website.