In the realm of flora, there exists a myriad of captivating blossoms that beckon hummingbirds. However, it is imperative to seek out plants that possess the fortitude to flourish and thrive amidst the unique climatic conditions of your locale. Should the temperatures be excessively scorching or bitterly frigid, these delicate plants will wither away or fail to yield the coveted nectar-laden flowers that hummingbirds depend upon.
To navigate this conundrum, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has devised a plant hardiness zone map that subdivides the nation into 13 distinct zones based on the average minimum temperature. Within each state, one can also find varying zones. Plants, you see, exhibit a proclivity for specific zones, as they possess the capacity to endure minimal temperatures but succumb if exposed to an excessive cold.
Consider Montana, for instance, which comprises both eastern and western climate zones. In the mountainous west, summers assume a cooler demeanor while winters lean toward a milder disposition. Conversely, the prairies and badlands situated in the east succumb to aridity and colder winters.
It is not solely heat that can pose a predicament for certain plants. In recognition of this fact, the American Horticultural Society has contrived the plant heat-zone map, which unveils the average number of days wherein temperatures soar above 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
Now, Montana does not grapple with an overabundance of scorching days and finds itself nestled between zones 2 and 7 within the plant heat zone map. Consequently, it is the wintry grasp that wields the greatest impact upon hummingbird plants within this region, surpassing the implications of excessive heat.
Thus, to engender an environment that elicits the presence of hummingbirds in Montana, it behooves one to cultivate an abundance of these exquisite flowers. Nevertheless, it is essential to ensure that the chosen flora has undergone meticulous scrutiny to ascertain their compatibility with both the cold and heat zones within Montana. In doing so, you guarantee not only the presence of resplendent nectar-rich flowers that hummingbirds ardently adore, but also the ability of these plants to thrive within the prevailing climatic conditions.
In the chilly embrace of cold zone 5-6, certain plants may fail to survive the frigid winters endured in zones 3 or 4 of northeastern Montana sans the intervention of protective measures.
Therefore, endeavor to introduce as many of these floral specimens as possible into the expanse of your Montana abode, for they possess the enchanting allure that captivates hummingbirds.
1. Nasturtiums
Trailing edible blossoms known as Nasturtiums bestow hanging baskets with their presence, enticing hummingbirds with their opulent nectar and exquisitely fashioned deep flowers. Typically cultivated as annuals, they manifest in both trailing and bush varieties. To embark on their growth journey, sow the seeds in the aftermath of the final frosts, granting them watering throughout the growing season and the ritual of deadheading.
Common Name: Nasturtiums
Scientific Name: Tropaeolum
Growing Zones: 2 – 11
Sun: Full
Soil: Well-drained
Colors: Red, orange, yellow, pink
Height: 1 – 10 feet
Spread: 1 – 3 feet
Plant Type: Annual
2. Zinnia
Zinnias, shrubs bedecked with resplendent blossoms, hail from the scrublands and arid grasslands of North America. Nestled within the Heliantheae tribe of the vast Asteraceae family, they boast three distinct types predicated on their petal formation. Single-flowered zinnias sport a solitary row of petals, exhibiting a discernible center. Double-flowered zinnias, on the other hand, showcase multitudinous layers of petals sans any central visibility. Semi-double-flowered zinnias embody numerous rows, each adorned with an exposed center. The Zinnia elegans, famed for its lofty stems and vibrant hues, constitutes a quintessential classic, cherished by backyard enthusiasts and gardeners alike. This species stands tall at four feet, replete with an abundance of resplendent flowers that bloom from early summer until the advent of frost. Furthermore, it allures pollinators such as butterflies and, of course, the coveted hummingbird. Cultivating zinnias necessitates direct sowing, for they disapprove of transplantation. Once firmly ensconced within sun-drenched domains and well-drained soils, these vibrant blooms shall grace your surroundings for an extended duration.
Common Name: Zinnia
Scientific Name: Zinnia elegans
Growing Zones: Annuals in 2-8, Perennials in 9-11
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Neutral to slightly alkaline, well-draining
Colors: White, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple
Height: 1 – 4 feet tall
Spread: 12 – 18 feet wide
Plant Type: Annual, Perennial Shrubs
3. Agastache
Agastache, pronounced “ah-GAH-stuh-kee,” encompasses an aromatic assemblage of herbaceous perennials boasting a staggering 22 species, most of which originate from the fertile terrain of North America. Dubbed “hummingbird mints” and “Giant hyssops,” these captivating flora yield a delightful herbal tea. What endears Agastache flowers to hummingbirds lies in their conspicuous nature, protruding from the verdant foliage. Composed of numerous clusters of diminutive flowers, these floral formations appear fuzzy, their alluring purple and red hues evoking a hummingbird’s unbridled admiration. At the height of summer, when Agastache flowers unleash their full splendor, avian visitors are irresistibly drawn to their nectar-rich embrace. To cultivate Agastache flowers successfully, initiate their growth as indoor plants during May before subsequently transplanting them into outdoor flower beds come summer. Acclimating to full sun and regular watering in the nascent stages is essential for their establishment. Once accomplished, these resilient plants readily endure drought, requiring minimal intervention.
Common Name: Agastache, Hummingbird Mint, Hyssop
Scientific Name: Agastache
Growing Zones: 3 – 10
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Lean, well-drained soil
Colors: Blue, purple, red, orange, pink, white
Height: 3 to 5 feet tall
Spread: Dependent on variety
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
4. Morning Glory
Morning Glory, an all-encompassing term for over a thousand species of flowering plants within the Convolvulaceae family, garners its name from the enchanting display of its blooms. The flowers unfurl at dawn, invoking a mesmerizing spectacle that transpires throughout the early hours. However, some members of the Morning Glory kinship defy this diurnal convention and instead choose to grace the night with their resplendent presence, exemplified by the Ipomoea alba. Morning Glory flowers exude a vibrancy and fastidiousness that extends to their growth habits, embracing arbors and entwining themselves along the external walls of abodes with the aid of trellises. One beloved species, the Ipomoea purpurea, boasts trumpet-shaped flowers in vibrant purple hues and heart-shaped leaves that open at daybreak, only to gracefully close in the afternoon. These captivating blossoms captivate onlookers from early summer to the onset of autumn. While Morning Glory typically thrives as an annual vine, it can manifest as a perennial in more temperate climates. A crucial determinant of success lies in exposing Morning Glories to ample sunlight, up to eight hours per day, to unleash their full blooming potential. Caution must be exercised, however, to prevent the rampant growth of these vivacious vines, as they possess invasive tendencies. Additionally, the seeds of Morning Glory harbor toxicity, necessitating vigilance in ensuring that children and pets are kept at a safe distance.
Common Name: Morning Glory, Common Morning Glory
Scientific Name: Convolvulaceae family
Growing Zones: 2 – 11
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Moist, well-draining
Colors: White, pink, purple, blue
Height: 6 – 10 feet tall
Spread: 3 – 6 feet wide
Plant Type: Annual
5. Impatiens
Impatiens, cherished for their resplendent annual blooms, serve as splendid additions to shaded and dimly lit areas, while simultaneously captivating hummingbirds. Flourishing in moist, well-draining soil, these vibrant annuals exude an enchanting allure. Hanging baskets adorning your porch prove particularly conducive to their growth and display. Typically acquired as pre-grown plants from nurseries, they are often clustered together to yield dense mats of luxuriant flowers and foliage. Seeds can be collected for future sowing, while cuttings harvested in autumn can be nurtured indoors until the frost recedes. Impatiens, colloquially referred to as jewelweed, touch-me-not, snapweed, and patience, contribute their radiant red, pink, orange, yellow, and coral hues to the melange of colors in your garden. Reaching heights of 6 to 36 inches and spreading across 1 to 3 feet, these annuals exude a lively charm.
Common Name: Impatiens, Jewelweed, Touch-me-not, Snapweed, Patience
Scientific Name: Impatiens
Growing Zones: 2 – 11
Sun: Shade or partial shade
Soil: Rich, well-draining
Colors: Red, pink, purple, yellow, coral
Height: 6 – 36 inches
Spread: 1 – 3 feet
Plant Type: Annual
6. Columbine
Columbine, also known as Aquilegia, represents a paragon of botanical elegance and an ideal floral choice for enticing hummingbirds. These perennials flourish in partially shaded domains, endowing them with a multifaceted appeal. Boasting spiky, bell-shaped blooms ranging from 3 to 6 inches in length, Columbine flowers unleash an artistic symphony of colors. Renowned for their resilience in the face of shade, they simultaneously withstand drought and deter deer. Cultivating Columbine entails the direct sowing of seeds in spring, allowing them to self-seed upon the culmination of the flowering season. For expedited growth, indoor sowing six to eight weeks prior to the last frosts proves beneficial. It is worth noting that flowers will not grace seed-grown plants until their second year. Columbine’s allure extends beyond its vibrant appearance, as it serves as a perennial beacon for hummingbirds.
Common Name: Columbine, Aquilegia
Scientific Name: Aquilegia
Growing Zones: 3-9
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Neutral pH, moist but not wet
Colors: Red, pink, blue, orange, white, yellow
Height: 1 – 3 feet
Spread: 1 foot
Plant Type: Perennial
7. Coneflower
Coneflower, scientifically known as Echinacea, finds its place in the vibrant and diverse Asteraceae family. These tenacious flowering plants derive their common name from the cone-like shape formed by their petals when the central flower head unfurls. The purple coneflower, Echinacea purpurea, stands as a popular choice among garden enthusiasts, with its striking purple hues and a penchant for attracting not only hummingbirds but also bees and butterflies. Growing tall, reaching heights of 2 to 5 feet, and boasting a diameter of 1 ½ to 2 feet, coneflowers exhibit their vibrant colors under the generous gaze of full sun. These perennials, thriving in well-drained soil, adorn your garden with a plethora of white, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, and green flowers.
Common Name: Coneflower
Scientific Name: Echinacea
Growing Zones: 3 – 9
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Varies
Colors: White, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, green
Height: 2 to 5 feet tall
Spread: 1 ½ – 2 feet wide
Plant Type: Perennial
8. Penstemon
Penstemon, a genus that encompasses over 250 ornamental flowering plants, finds its place within the Plantaginaceae family alongside other familiar plants like snapdragons and foxgloves. Often referred to as “Beardtongue,” these charismatic perennials captivate with their pollen-free stamens adorned with a tuft of delicate hairs. With an extensive range of species and varieties, penstemons offer a diverse selection for your backyard. These drought-tolerant plants possess a knack for attracting hummingbirds and bees, making them a delightful addition to any garden. Boasting spires of colorful tubular flowers, penstemons bloom from early summer, serving as a captivating focal point. They thrive under the warmth of full sun, requiring lean, fast-draining soil for optimal growth. The colors of penstemon span the spectrum, ranging from blue, purple, red, orange, white, pink, to yellow.
Common Name: Penstemon, Foxglove Beard-tongue, Talus Slope Penstemon, White Beardtongue
Scientific Name: Penstemon
Growing Zones: 3 – 9
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Lean, fast-draining soil
Colors: Blue, purple, red, orange, white, pink, yellow
Height: 6 to 12 inches, 1 to 3 feet, 3 to 8 feet
Spread: 8 to 20 inches
Plant Type: Perennial
9. Summersweet
Summersweet, scientifically known as Clethra alnifolia, stands as a flowering shrub that effortlessly entices hummingbirds to your backyard oasis. This exquisite plant, alternatively called coastal sweet pepperbush, thrives in various climates, primarily in wetlands, pond edges, and streamsides. Summersweet dazzles with its vertical spikes of aromatic white flowers contrasted against dark green foliage. With the arrival of autumn, its leaves transform into hues of yellow and gold, offering a picturesque display. The shrub’s name, “pepperbush,” derives from its intriguing brown seed capsules, resembling peppercorns, which scatter once the flowers have bloomed. Summersweet’s floral spectacle commences between July and August, with flowers measuring 2 to 6 inches in length and exhibiting shades of white or pink. Butterflies and hummingbirds find these nectar-rich blossoms irresistible, while the pepper-like seeds serve as a delightful treat for birds during the autumn season.
Common Name: Summersweet, Coastal Sweet Pepperbush
Scientific Name: Clethra alnifolia
Growing Zones: 3 – 9
Sun: Full sun or partial shade
Soil: Moist to wet soil, slightly acidic
Colors: White, pink, rose-colored
Height: 4 – 8 feet tall
Spread: 4 – 6 feet wide
Plant Type: Perennial, Deciduous shrub
10. Yarrow
Yarrow, scientifically referred to as Achillea millefolium, weaves a tapestry of folklore and natural beauty. Its name draws from the Greek hero Achilles, who supposedly used this remarkable herb to treat wounds sustained by his soldiers. In addition to its historical significance, yarrow possesses medicinal qualities, particularly in aiding with nosebleeds. The name “millefolium” stems from its feather-like leaves, which appear divided into countless delicate leaflets. Yarrow displays clusters of small, vibrant flowers, which vary in color from white, yellow, pink, to red, depending on the specific variant. These dainty blooms, perched atop hardy stems, often emit a pleasant fragrance. Yarrow’s fern-like foliage, evenly distributed along the stem, adds to its aesthetic appeal. This perennial beauty beckons hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies to your garden, embracing full sunlight and thriving in sandy, loamy, or clay soil with proper drainage. Standing at heights of 2 to 3 feet, yarrow showcases its colorful presence, offering a visual feast for the senses.
Common Name: Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Milfoil, Nosebleed, Thousand-leaf
Scientific Name: Achillea millefolium
Growing Zones: 3 – 9
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Sandy, loamy, clay, well-draining
Colors: White, yellow, pink, red
Height: 2 to 3 feet tall
Spread: 2 to 3 feet wide
Plant Type: Perennial
11. Hydrangea
Hydrangeas, with their voluminous flower heads, bring splendor to shaded corners of your yard. These captivating plants, known for their showy nature, thrive in partial shade or full sun, although they do prefer respite from scorching temperatures. Moist soil and regular watering during the growing season are essential for their optimal development. Pruning is advised once the flowers have withered in winter. The long-lasting blooms of hydrangeas grace the landscape from spring well into fall, adding allure even in winter with their intriguing dried blossoms.
Common Name: Hydrangea
Scientific Name: Hydrangea
Growing Zones: 3 – 9
Sun: Full sun to shade
Soil: Fertile, well-draining
Colors: Pink, red, white, blue, green
Height: 3 – 15 feet
Spread: 2 – 12 feet
Plant Type: Perennial
12. Veronica
Veronica, a genus encompassing approximately 500 species of flowering plants, thrives in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. These herbaceous annuals or perennials, belonging to the Plantaginaceae family, offer a wide array of options to suit your backyard paradise. Veronica plants manifest in various forms, from low-growing ground covers to tall, erect species with vertical flower spikes. Spring-blooming varieties enchant with their delicate clusters of white, pink, purple, and blue flowers. Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies find veronicas irresistible, drawn to their nectar-rich blooms. These hardy plants flourish under full sun or partial shade, appreciating moist, well-drained soil.
Common Name: Veronica, Speedwell
Scientific Name: Veronica
Growing Zones: Varies (depending on the species)
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, well-draining
Colors: White, pink, purple, blue
Height: Varies (depending on the species)
Spread: Varies (depending on the species)
Plant Type: Annual or perennial
13. Salvia
Salvia, a diverse genus of flowering plants within the mint family (Lamiaceae), encompasses over 900 species, including annuals, perennials, and shrubs. These versatile plants exhibit a range of growth habits, from compact mounds to sprawling clumps and towering spikes. Salvias attract hummingbirds with their vibrant, tubular flowers, which can be found in an array of colors, including red, purple, pink, white, and blue. These nectar-rich blossoms create a buzzing oasis for bees and butterflies as well. Salvia plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and they are often drought-tolerant, making them a suitable choice for gardens in Montana.
Common Name: Salvia, Sage
Scientific Name: Salvia
Growing Zones: Varies (depending on the species)
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained
Colors: Red, purple, pink, white, blue
Height: Varies (depending on the species)
Spread: Varies (depending on the species)
Plant Type: Annual or perennial, shrub
14. Columbine
Columbine, belonging to the genus Aquilegia, adds an enchanting touch to any garden with its delicate and distinctive flowers. These herbaceous perennials, native to North America, come in a variety of species and cultivars, each with its own unique charm. Columbines are characterized by their spurred flowers, which often display contrasting colors on the petals and sepals. These nectar-filled blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies, making them a delightful addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. Columbines prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. They typically bloom in late spring to early summer, showcasing a range of colors including white, yellow, pink, red, and blue.
Common Name: Columbine
Scientific Name: Aquilegia
Growing Zones: Varies (depending on the species)
Sun: Partial shade
Soil: Moist, well-draining
Colors: White, yellow, pink, red, blue
Height: Varies (depending on the species)
Spread: Varies (depending on the species)
Plant Type: Perennial
15. Foxglove
Foxglove, scientifically known as Digitalis purpurea, offers a touch of whimsy to any garden with its tall spires of tubular flowers. These biennial or short-lived perennial plants belong to the Plantaginaceae family and are native to Europe, but they have naturalized in many regions around the world. Foxgloves showcase a variety of colors, including shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow. The flowers, often adorned with delicate spots or freckles, provide a feast of nectar for hummingbirds and bees. However, it’s important to note that while foxgloves are beautiful, all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested, so caution should be exercised, especially around children and pets. Foxgloves prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Common Name: Foxglove
Scientific Name: Digitalis purpurea
Growing Zones: 4 – 9
Sun: Partial shade
Soil: Moist, well-draining
Colors: Pink, purple, white, yellow
Height: 2 – 6 feet tall
Spread: 1 – 2 feet wide
Plant Type: Biennial or short-lived perennial
These are some additional plant options to attract hummingbirds in Montana. Enjoy creating a vibrant and inviting habitat for these beautiful creatures!