The Iowa Gardener: Want to help hummingbirds? Offer a variety of nectar-rich flowers, suitable habitat

Hummingbirds are magical creatures that dazzle us with their vibrant colors and mesmerizing flight patterns. Watching these tiny birds hover and sip nectar is a delightful experience.

There are different types of hummingbirds, but in Iowa, we see almost exclusively the ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris).

They migrate to Iowa during the spring and summer months, typically arriving in April and departing in September. Iowa serves as a crucial stopover for these tiny travelers during their long journey from their wintering grounds in Central America to their breeding grounds in the northern United States and Canada.

Iowans can play a vital role in supporting the health and success of these migratory visitors by providing a variety of nectar-rich flowers, hummingbird feeders, suitable habitat, and by gardening as organically as possible.

Plant hummingbird-friendly flowers

One of the most effective ways to entice hummingbirds is by cultivating a garden filled with their favorite flowers. Brightly colored tubular blossoms, such as fuchsias, salvias, and columbines, are particularly attractive to these tiny birds. They also love most brightly flowered vines, like morning glory and trumpet vine.

Plant a variety of nectar-rich flowers that bloom at different times throughout the year to provide a consistent food source. Native plants, like bee balm and columbine, are especially appealing to local hummingbird populations.

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Provide ample nectar sources

Hummingbirds rely on nectar as their primary source of energy. Supplement their natural nectar intake by setting up a hummingbird feeder. Opt for feeders with bright red accents to catch their attention. Prepare a simple homemade nectar solution using a ratio of four parts water to one part white sugar. Or use a ready-made nectar. (Avoid using honey or artificial sweeteners, which can be harmful to hummingbirds.)

Regularly clean the feeders and change the nectar every three to five days, especially in hot weather, to prevent spoilage.

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Create a water feature

Hummingbirds also require water for drinking and bathing. Installing a shallow birdbath or a small fountain will attract these tiny birds since they enjoy gentle water spray. Ensure that the water source is clean and fresh, changing it regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria. Place some rocks or pebbles in the water feature to provide perching spots for the hummingbirds.

Provide shelter and nesting opportunities

Hummingbirds need safe spaces to rest and build their nests. Planting tall trees and large shrubs offers both cover and perching spots. Dense evergreen trees and large vines also provide excellent protection.

Create heights and levels

Hummingbirds are attracted to yards with diverse levels of food sources. Incorporate hanging baskets, trellises and tall flowering plants to provide high-up elements in your landscape. These structures not only add visual interest but also serve as convenient perches for hummingbirds to rest and observe their surroundings.

Garden as organically as possible

Insects are the main staple of a hummingbird diet, so avoid harmful synthetic pesticides and herbicides. These reduce all types of insect populations, not just the damaging insects that you are targeting. As a bonus, avoiding these chemicals also will help other birds, pollinators and wildlife that benefit from your landscape.

In Iowa, it's also beneficial to plant a native tallgrass prairie garden, rich with native grasses and forbs (herbaceous flowering plants). They promote a biodiverse and insect-rich environment.

Be sure to position your hummingbird friendly feeders and flowers where you can see them from a kitchen or dining area window or deck or patio. There are few things as wonderful as sipping your morning coffee or evening glass of wine and enjoying these brilliant little visitors who have made your garden their temporary home.

Veronica Lorson Fowler is co-publisher of the Iowa Gardener website at www.theiowagardener.com.