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With a flash of color and a whisper of wings, "nature's little jewels" have arrived. Specially planned backyard hummingbird gardens provide a unique niche along the front range of Colorado for hummers as they begin their long migration. Habitat that is beneficial to hummingbirds insures their colorful and fascinating presence.
Since hummers have no sense of smell, it is color that attracts them to the backyard. While some flowers are structured to accommodate bees or butterflies, others accommodate hummingbirds. Bright reds, orange, coral and vibrant purple colored tube-like flowers allow the hummingbird's bill to fit neatly into the tube. Their tongue laps up nectar at the lowest place in the tube. Pollination also occurs when the hummingbird rubs its forehead against the stamens and pistils of these flowers.
Perennials listed as Colorado State University and Denver Botanical Gardens Plant Select species (1997-2001) that successfully attract hummers to local front range backyards include Sunset Hyssop (Agastche rupestris), Coronado Hyssop (Agastche aurantiaca), Orange Carpet Hummingbird Trumpet (Zauschneria garrettii), Penstemon Red Rocks, Pikes Peak Purple Penstemon and Prairie Jewell (Penstemon grandiflorus).
Other favorite hummer variations of tube-like flowers include lilies (Stella doro), delphinium (Butterfly delphinium or annual cultivars), coral bells (Heuchera sanguinea), Digitalis (D. obscura), trumpetvine (Campsis radicans), red hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria), bee balm (Monarda didyma) and scarlet sage (Salvia splendors). Hummers enjoy all varieties of Columbine.
Shrubs and trees help to create a hummingbird habitat by providing shade. Hummingbird flowers need sun to grow but hummingbirds will need the shade to perch between feedings. The Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii), lilac (Syringa vulgaris), Rose of Sharon (Althea), catalpas, roses and other rose species in the rose family provide food and shade.
Hummingbird plants are not usually attractive to bees since they often have no platform on which to land. Their blossoms project into the open and are spaced apart so that they can accommodate the whirring wings of the hummingbird.
Water is important for hummers and they love to bathe on misted leaves. A water mister attached to a birdbath and close to broad-leafed plants such as hostas, enable them to take a bath.
Using pesticides in a hummingbird habitat can be detrimental. Killing garden pests will eliminate the spiders, aphids and gnats that hummingbirds depend upon for protein. In addition, hummers may ingest pesticides sprayed on flowers, which could sicken or kill the birds. Flowers of the aster/daisy family provide tiny bugs as a food source.
The traditional hummingbird feeder is not enough to keep hummingbirds interested in staying for an extended backyard visit Hummingbird flowers are a necessity first to attract them and then keep them. Since hummingbirds feed by sight on their favorite flowers, they regularly follow routes – called trap lines. Their inquisitive nature will quickly lead them to investigate any possible new source of food; hence they will enjoy feeders positioned strategically around the garden.
Hummingbirds are habitual with great memories and once they have discovered a hummingbird garden, they will return year after year.
Q: The spinach in my garden is going to seed. I've kept it picked and watered well. What is the problem?
A: Spinach is a cool season vegetable and bolts in warm weather. Varieties slower to bolt are Carambole, Tyee, Marathon, Indian Summer and Medania. Plant a fall crop in August to harvest some delicious fall spinach.
Q: My ivy geraniums are in a wire, moss-lined basket facing south. I water them once and sometimes twice a day if they wilt. Plant color is lighter green now and they aren't flowering as they did. What should I do?
A: Water runs through this type of container taking plant nutrients with it. Fertilize as you would your houseplants with a slow release fertilizer or fertilize with your irrigation water.
Q: My rosemary and parsley are dead or almost dead. The plants were smaller than usual this spring and slow growing. I've taken care of them as usual. What is wrong?
A: Rosemary needs well-drained soil and should never be completely dry. Plants can look okay for awhile, but will eventually die if left too long without water. We can have dry winters. Consider watering your herb garden during dry winter months. Parsley is a cool season herb and does best in spring and fall.
Q: I have a small flower bed on the west side of my house that dries out quickly and requires a lot more water than other areas. What do you suggest?
A: This flowerbed receives full sun all afternoon. Try placing 3 to 4 inches of organic mulch over the plant roots. This should help maintain more even soil moisture and keep down weeds.
Q: Do polymer crystals work as well as advertised. What do they do?
A: Tiny crystals worked into the soil soak up water, much as a sponge. Water is then slowly released to plants and less frequent watering is required. Crystals can be very effective in container plantings.
Strawberries
Strawberries should be fertilized with a pound of nitrogen per 1000
square feet in early July. If fertilizer is broadcast, drag foliage
with a sack to dislodge fertilizer from leaves and water thoroughly.
Repeat this process in September. Applying nitrogen immediately before
fruiting causes soft fruit and is not recommended. Strawberry plants
should continue to bear fruit for approximately three years.
Vegetables
Vegetable gardens need regular irrigation to keep plants moist throughout
the growing season. This is especially necessary when the edible
portion of the plant is developing. The addition of compost and mulch
helps to conserve water and maintain even soil moisture.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a leaf fungus that affects many plants. The
fungus produces symptoms that include spots or patches of white to grayish,
talcum powder-like growth on leaves of susceptible plants. Those most prone
to powdery mildew in Colorado include roses, zinnias, columbine, summer
phlox, lilac, grape, apple, turf, cherry and others. Good cultural practices
are the best defense. Plant less susceptible species. Pick a sight with
plenty of sunshine and air circulation to allow foliage to dry quickly
after watering or rain. If needed, use a systemic fungicide to protect
new growth.
The authors have received training through Colorado State University Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.
Fact Sheets are available at the Larimer County Extension Office, 1525 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins, Colorado, telephone (970) 498-6000, or contact us by e-mail at larimer@coop.ext.colostate.edu
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