I. Introduction
Hummingbirds, with their iridescent feathers and lightning-fast wings, are a delightful sight to behold. A vibrant part of Oklahoma’s ecosystem, these tiny creatures, which mainly comprise the Ruby-throated Hummingbird species, symbolize life, joy, and beauty. One of the most effective ways to attract these flitting marvels to your garden is by planting fast-growing flowers that fall in tune with the Oklahoma climate, particularly those with high nectar content. Many of these quick-to-bloom flowers also happen to be native ones, aligning with the principles underlined by the Oklahoma Proven Program.
The Oklahoma Proven Program aims to guide gardeners towards plants that have proven to be hardy and effective in Oklahoma’s diverse climatic regions. The program emphasizes drought-resistant options, making it a vital resource in choosing the right flowers to attract hummingbirds and create a vibrant garden ecosystem.
II. Fast-Growing Flowers for Immediate Attraction
For those eager to have hummingbirds flocking to their garden without delay, these quick-growing flower options offer an excellent starting point:
Annual Flowers
Brazilian Verbena (Verbena bonariensis) is a fast-growing perennial often cultivated as an annual in Oklahoma. Its vibrant colors, coupled with its drought resistance, make it ideal for a sunny Oklahoma garden. The cultivars ‘Little One’, ‘Lollipop’, and ‘Meteor Shower’ come highly recommended for attracting hummingbirds due to their high nectar content and suitability for flourishing under full sun.
The Cuphea species and Cultivars are known to attract hummingbirds due to their nectar-rich flowers. For example, the Firecracker plant and Mexican heather are heat and drought-tolerant and make excellent choices for a vibrant hummingbird-friendly garden.
The Firebush (Hamelia patens), blooming with appealing orange-red flowers, thrives in Oklahoma’s summer heat and is a popular choice for attracting hummingbirds.
The vibrant Spider Flower (Cleome hybrids) grow from fragrant flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple. Varieties like the Sparkler series, Spirit series, Senorita Rosalita, and Senorita Blanca are particularly attractive to hummingbirds.
The Star Flower, Graffiti Series (Pentas lanceolata), with its tightly clustered, nectar-rich flowers offers a bounty for hummingbirds. Its vibrant colors, heat, and drought-resistant qualities make it a great choice for Oklahoma gardens.
Perennial Flowers
Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii ‘Pink Preference’) blossoms for a long period, particularly in autumn, making it a perennial favorite for hummingbirds. This robust flower, which can withstand full sun and drought, is a reliable choice for gardeners who wish to have a constant hummingbird presence in their gardens.
The Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica) flowers beautifully, offering tubular red and yellow flowers that attract hummingbirds, and it grows well in the shade.
The vibrant color of Milkweed (Asclepias species) captures the attention of hummingbirds. Bright orange to yellow-orange blossoms are the hallmark of this drought-tolerant plant that appeals to multiple pollinators.
Consider introducing the Phlox, Volcano Series (Phlox paniculata) to your garden. These compact, fragrant flowers have a long blooming period and can flourish in full sun to part shade, proving to be mildew resistant.
III. Medium to Long-Term Options
If you have the patience for slightly longer growth durations and prefer the charm of native Oklahoma flowers, the following options are worth considering:
Native Oklahoma Flowers
Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans) is native to Oklahoma and boasts bright, tubular flowers. This vivacious climber thrives in full to partial sun and can climb up to 40 feet. However, be prepared to invest some trimming time, as this vine can spread aggressively.
Red Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), also native to Oklahoma, offers dazzling bright red flowers that are best cultivated in moist, shaded areas with full sun to partial shade.
Loved by bees, butterflies, and, of course, hummingbirds, the Bee Balm (Monarda spp.) is an attractive addition to any garden. It blooms from July through September and thrives when bathed in full sun.
The Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica) offers beautiful tubular red and yellow flowers perfect for shady areas
Longer-Term Perennials
The Arkansas Bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) turns a bright green in the summer and transforms to golden yellow in the fall. Native to eastern Oklahoma, it is a hearty plant that tolerates both moist and drought conditions.
The Giant Coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima) is a dramatic addition to any garden, offering bright yellow ray flowers. Native to eastern Oklahoma, it is drought-tolerant and an excellent choice for a long-term garden project.
IV. Regional Considerations and Planting Tips
Given Oklahoma’s diverse geography and climates, planting choices may vary based on the location within the state.
Regional Adaptations
In the colder and potentially more extreme weather conditions of northern Oklahoma, flowers such as Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella) and Brazilian Verbena (Verbena bonariensis) thrive.
In the hotter, more humid conditions of southern Oklahoma, consider planting the Firebush (Hamelia patens) and Cuphea species.
Soil and Sunlight Requirements
Remember that the best sunlight conditions for Oklahoma, are full sun to part shade. Always ensure your soil is well-drained and seek specific advice based on the type of flower you are planting.
Planting and Maintenance Tips
When planting, take note of the spacing, watering, and fertilization needs specific to each flower. Consider using organic mulches and avoid chemical pesticides. This will not only attract hummingbirds and other wildlife but will also keep harmful pests at bay.
Be prepared to handle environmental extremes and protect young plants from common pests in Oklahoma.
V. Conclusion
Planting native Oklahoma flowers that attract hummingbirds, whether fast-growing or longer-term options, enhances your garden’s biodiversity while supporting the local ecosystem. Planting both annuals and perennials can ensure a year-round display of color and life in your garden that will be enjoyed by both hummingbirds and garden admirers alike.
Personal experiences shared from local gardeners showcase a wide range of hummingbird-attractive plant options that thrive in Oklahoma’s diverse climates. Such real-life examples from the local gardening community offer insights beyond mere statistics, bringing the garden-to-hummingbird relationship to life.
As more people join the pursuit of creating hummingbird-friendly gardens, sharing experiences and tips will only enrich the collective knowledge base. We encourage you to start planting flowers that attract hummingbirds and to share your experiences, trials, and successes with your community and online.