Birders

Donkees

(32,437 posts) Mon Apr 10, 2023, 06:00 AM Apr 2023

Hummingbird on Zinnia

5 replies

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Hummingbird on Zinnia (Original Post) Donkees Apr 2023 OP

Thank you. niyad Apr 2023 #1

I hsve never seen a hummingbird on our zinnias. lark Apr 2023 #2

I recall reading that the type of zinnia 'centers' makes a difference ... Donkees Apr 2023 #3

Our zinnias are in an area that gets no shade. lark Apr 2023 #4

Here's some info on one of the varieties of hummingbird mint: Donkees Apr 2023 #5

niyad

(120,610 posts)

1. Thank you.

Reply to Donkees (Original post)

Mon Apr 10, 2023, 07:06 AM

Apr 2023

lark

(24,330 posts)

2. I hsve never seen a hummingbird on our zinnias.

Reply to Donkees (Original post)

Mon Apr 10, 2023, 07:51 AM

Apr 2023

They do, however, love, love 4 O'clocks and red Gerbera daisies and so do bees. I convinced my husband to let the volunteer 4 O'clocks at the fence line grow for the critters. Can't wait for the summer evenings when they are blooming and have hummingbirds darting all over!

Donkees

(32,437 posts)

3. I recall reading that the type of zinnia 'centers' makes a difference ...

Reply to lark (Reply #2)

Mon Apr 10, 2023, 09:42 AM

Apr 2023

that some double petal varieties or dahlia-type zinnias cover the yellow centers (?)

They seem to like the perennial hummingbird mint too, especially during feeding-frenzy:

lark

(24,330 posts)

4. Our zinnias are in an area that gets no shade.

Reply to Donkees (Reply #3)

Mon Apr 10, 2023, 10:30 AM

Apr 2023

I've only seen the hummingbirds in shadier areas. I just grow the single zinnias, the center isn't covered at all once they're fully open.
I will hve to look for hummingbird mint. Would it grow in full sun in hot humid FL?

Donkees

(32,437 posts)

5. Here's some info on one of the varieties of hummingbird mint:

Reply to lark (Reply #4)

Mon Apr 10, 2023, 10:45 AM

Apr 2023

Seems this pink one is a hybrid. (Zones 5 - 10)

Heat Wave Hyssop (also called Agastache or Hummingbird Mint) is exceptional selection of Hyssop with good heat tolerance and drought resistance. Heat Wave grows beautifully in containers and hot, dry sites. Plants bloom over a long season and hold their pink calyxes long after flowers fade. Pollinators are attracted to the ready source of nectar while goldfinches love feasting on seeds of Heat Wave Hyssop late in the season. The licorice-scented foliage can be steeped in tea or used to flavor dishes. Flowers and foliage also make lovely, fragrant cuttings. An upright, clumping growth habit makes ‘Heat Wave’ ideal for massing in borders or cottage-style plantings. Provide hyssop with good drainage and plenty of sunshine for best performance.

https://www.americanmeadows.com/perennials/agastache/agastache-heat-wave-hyssop#:~:text=Heat%20Wave%20Hyssop%20

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