One of the most magical visitors to habitat gardens are Hummingbirds— ethereal beauties that shimmer while dashing from flower to flower.
While conventional wisdom tells us they are only attracted to red hues, like the brilliant crimson blooms of Cardinal Flower, hummingbirds will also favor tubular flowers in other colors. The deep sapphire shades of Great Blue Lobelia are also quite popular, as are the creamy whites of native Turtlehead. Each wildflower offers the rich nectar they need to fuel their near-perpetual flight.
Like butterflies, Hummingbirds look for flowers with quality nectar. They are one of my favorite species to watch in the garden. Almost hard to see as they visit in the low light of dusk and dawn, their metallic feathers sparkle and shine in the midday sun.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
on Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis),
White Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)
& Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)
This collection celebrates the summer palette of sunny rain gardens favorited by hummingbirds. Complex florals are complemented by simpler graphic patterns evoking the texture of their feathers and the whimsy of their flight paths
