The Sustainable Garden
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Where Have All the Hummingbirds Gone?
Three Plants That Keep Them Coming Back
If your hummingbird feeders seem quieter this summer, you're not imagining it.
Across much of the Mountain West, many gardeners have reported seeing fewer hummingbirds than usual, even in gardens that have reliably attracted them for years.
There isn't one clear explanation, but several factors may be contributing:
Unusual spring weather delayed flowering in many areas.
Late frosts and heat waves affected nectar production.
Wildfire smoke and shifting weather patterns may have altered migration routes.
Local food sources can change from year to year, causing hummingbirds to spend more time in different locations.
The good news? If you've planted nectar-rich flowers, don't give up. Hummingbirds often continue moving through the region well into late summer and early fall.
🌺 1. Hummingbird Sage (Salvia)
Nothing draws hummingbirds more consistently than a bright red salvia.
Why hummingbirds love it:
Tubular flowers perfectly fit their long bills.
Blooms continuously from late spring until frost.
Excellent for containers and garden beds.
Very drought tolerant once established.
Utah Tip: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage nonstop blooming.
💜 2. Hummingbird Mint (Agastache)
One of the very best plants for the Mountain West.
Benefits:
Fragrant foliage
Purple, pink, orange, or coral flowers
Long bloom season
Heat and drought tolerant
Also attracts bees and butterflies
Agastache is one of the easiest perennials to grow in Utah's dry climate.
🌸 3. Penstemon (Beardtongue)
Native penstemons are hummingbird magnets.
Why plant them?
Native to much of the Mountain West
Thrive with little water
Beautiful spikes of red, pink, purple, or blue flowers
Bloom during peak hummingbird migration
They're also excellent additions to water-wise landscapes.
🏡 Create a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden
Hummingbirds are looking for much more than flowers.
Help them by providing:
🌺 Continuous blooms from spring through fall
💧 Fresh, shallow water or a mister
🌿 Shrubs or small trees for resting
🚫 Avoid insecticides that reduce the tiny insects hummingbirds also eat for protein.
❤️ Don't Remove Your Feeders Yet
If you haven't seen many hummingbirds this year, keep your feeder up.
Many hummingbirds are still migrating and may suddenly appear over the next several weeks.
Remember to:
Change nectar every 2–3 days during hot weather.
Clean feeders thoroughly with hot water.
Use a simple recipe of 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water—no red dye needed.
🌼 Final Thought
Every garden season is a little different. Even if hummingbird numbers seem lower this year, planting nectar-rich flowers helps provide vital food during migration and supports these remarkable birds whenever they visit.
By adding plants like Salvia, Agastache, and Penstemon, you're creating habitat that benefits hummingbirds for years to come.
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*Woodstuff Landscape Supply
955 S 1950 W Springville Utah 84663
(801) 489-4777
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🌱 Bloom Gardens Tip
A healthy garden is more than beautiful—it supports birds, butterflies, bees, and countless other beneficial wildlife. Every flower you plant helps create a healthier, more sustainable landscape for the Mountain West.
The Sustainable Garden Newsletter is provided by Bloom Gardens
