Introduction
A fascination for nature and the desire to create a vibrant, hummingbird-visited backyard is a shared enthusiasm among many outdoors and nature enthusiasts. However, attracting these hypnotizing creatures involves more than just putting up a colorful hummingbird feeder; it requires careful landscaping decisions, particularly about what type of flowers to plant. Within the beautiful but challenge-rich landscape of Alaska, it is crucial to identify native Alaskan flowers that attract hummingbirds, find fast-growing flowers that thrive in the Alaskan climate, and undertake long-term flower projects suitable for this part of the U.S. This article will provide a comprehensive picture of the flowers that grow quickly, are native to Alaska, and tend to attract hummingbirds. Investing in these flowers will ignite your backyard with both color and feathered activity, contributing to local wildlife and offering endless enjoyment. So, let’s dive right in.
Fast-Growing Flowers that Attract Hummingbirds in Alaska
Various flora, native or non-native, attract hummingbirds in Alaska. These flowers range from the bright, tall-standing Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) to vibrant Lupines (Lupinus) and the uniquely beautiful Columbines (Aquilegia). Here are the characteristics, growing conditions, and blooming periods for some of these:
- Sage (Salvia) – A native of the Americas, it revels in the sunniest parts of your garden and blooms from April to September.
- Lupine (Lupinus) – Known for improving the quality of the soil around them, lupines come in a plethora of sizes and colors. They typically bloom from May to July.
- Columbine (Aquilegia) – This plant, immaculate as a hummingbird’s first port of call every spring, is well-suited to the shaded parts of the garden, provided there’s ample moisture. It blooms during May.
- Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) – Although admired by hummingbirds and known to grow quickly, care should be taken while planting this pink-to-purple beauty—unchecked, Fireweed can dominate your garden space. It blooms from June to September.
- Larkspur (Delphinium) – This eye-catching blue flower will certainly draw attention from hummingbirds. However, due to its toxicity to humans and livestock, careful handling is essential.
Non-native but fast-growing options include the versatile Phlox (Phlox), the easy-growing Petunia (Petunia), and the tubular Beard Tongue (Penstemon). To leverage the natural charm and quick blooming characteristics of these flowers, you should consider the specific climatic and soil conditions in your location, and ensure that any rampant spreaders like the Fireweed are kept in check.
Longer-term Flower Projects for Attracting Hummingbirds in Alaska
If time isn’t a constraint and you’re looking for a long-term gardening project to attract hummingbirds, consider converting an area of your garden to grow strawberries. Here are the specifics:
- Strawberry Types – Chief among the types suitable for Alaska are everbearers and day neutrals that bloom and fruit regardless of day length.
- Recommended Varieties – Tristar, Tribute, Seascape, and Albion are all day neutral strawberries that not only survive but indeed thrive in Alaska.
- Other Varieties – Perennials such as Mountain Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) and Beach Strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis) are native to Alaska and can survive cold winters.
You may need to extend the growing season and use high tunnels or plastic soil mulch to boost temperatures. Careful selection of varieties that can withstand the cold Alaskan winter is also crucial.
Implementing Environmentally Friendly Practices for Growing Flowers in Alaska
How about growing your flowers while also promoting environmental sustainability? Consider organic gardening practices that have proven successful in Alaska. An illustrative example is the large-scale garden at Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge, where organic practices such as composting have helped create a vibrant garden.
Using native plants can support local wildlife and ease maintenance. Address common threats like slugs, and consider ecological regions for optimal success. Look towards recommended soil mixes and strategize collection and cultivation of native plant material for the best results.
From Selection to Purchase: Sourcing the Best Plants for Attracting Hummingbirds in Alaska
With various local nurseries and online stores at your disposal, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to purchasing a selection of the identified flowers. Stores such as The Home Depot, Nature Hills, and Burpee offer a variety of options suitable for Alaskan climates. Monrovia even provides a feature that allows you to connect with local garden centers. Purchased your favorite flowers? Now, it’s time for the real action!
Understanding the best planting times and strategies to ensure continuous bloom and attraction of hummingbirds in Alaskan conditions can make your gardening project a big success. This might involve crafting an individual planting calendar for each flower type and developing strategies for maximizing the attractiveness of your garden to hummingbirds throughout the year.
Conclusion
Attracting hummingbirds in Alaska involves not just the selection of specific native or fast-growing flowers, but also the adoption of practices that align with the unique climatic and livestock conditions the state offers. By investing the time and effort to develop your understanding of the flora hummingbirds prefer, you can transform your backyard into a haven for these dazzling creatures. Planting these flowers not only offers hours of enjoyment witnessing the breathtaking maneuvers of visiting hummingbirds but also contributes to an environmentally friendly practice that supports local wildlife. So, roll up your sleeves, set your hummingbird-friendly flowers into the soil, and prepare yourself for an immersive nature experience right at home in Alaska!