As winter approaches, it’s important for hummingbird enthusiasts to take steps to protect their favorite nectar-producing plants. Hummingbirds migrate south for the winter, but by taking proper care of plants, you can ensure they have food sources waiting when they return in spring.
Why do hummingbirds migrate?
Hummingbirds migrate for a few key reasons:
- Food availability declines – Many of the flowers and plants that provide nectar die back or go dormant in winter
- Nesting sites disappear – Trees and shrubs that offer nesting sites lose their leaves
- Insects become scarce – A key food source for hummingbirds is small insects, which become much less abundant in winter
- Extreme cold – Hummingbirds are susceptible to freezing temperatures and lack sufficient insulation or energy reserves to withstand prolonged cold
By migrating south, hummingbirds can find warmer climates with adequate food and nesting resources. The journey allows them to survive until conditions improve the following spring.
How far do hummingbirds migrate?
For many hummingbird species, migration is a remarkable journey. Here are some examples:
- Ruby-throated hummingbird – Travels from the Eastern U.S. across the Gulf of Mexico to Central America – a 500+ mile journey
- Rufous hummingbird – Migrates between the Pacific Northwest and Mexico – a 3,000+ mile trip
- Allen’s hummingbird – Makes a 1,000+ mile journey between California and Mexico
- Black-chinned hummingbird – Travels from Western U.S. to Mexico, around 1,000 miles
Given their tiny size, making these migrations across vast distances is an amazing feat. Some hummingbirds get an early start, leaving in July or August, while others wait until late September. Timing depends on the species and optimal conditions for the journey.
When do hummingbirds return from migration?
Hummingbirds often begin appearing back in their breeding ranges as early as January. However, arrival times can vary significantly:
- Western States – February to early April
- Midwest region – Mid April to early May
- Northeastern States – Mid to late April
- Southeastern States – Early to mid March
Males typically arrive first to stake out the best territories. Females follow approximately 2 weeks later. Arrival depends on weather, food availability and other factors.
Putting up feeders in early spring will help attract hummingbirds returning from their journey. Having flowering plants ready is also beneficial.
How do I prepare hummingbird plants for winter?
To make sure flowering plants are ready for returning hummingbirds, here are some tips:
For potted plants:
- Move pots to a protected area – Keep them near the house or under an overhang
- Use insulation – Bubble wrap or burlap around pots can provide warmth
- Bring plants indoors – Less hardy specimens can overwinter in a garage or sunny room
- Use a heating source – Low wattage lights or a heating pad help regulate temperature
- Trim plants back – Removes excessive foliage vulnerable to winter die-back
- Stop fertilizing – Encourages dormancy and protects roots from chemical buildup
For in-ground plantings:
- Add mulch – A 2-4 inch layer insulates roots and prevents frost heaving
- Prune selectively – Remove dead wood but maintain overall plant shape
- Protect with burlap – Wrap material around plants or cages to shield from wind/cold
- Water thoroughly before ground freezes – Prevents desiccation if a winter thaw occurs
- Cover with leaves/pine needles – Provides insulation and moisture retention
Specific overwintering techniques will vary by plant. Refer to care guides to understand best practices for each species.
When to winterize hummingbird plants
It’s best to prepare hummingbird plants for winter in the early fall, before temperatures drop:
- Northern states – Complete winterizing by early to mid October
- Central states – Winterize from mid October to early November
- Southern states – Late November to mid December
Waiting too long risks exposing plants to sudden cold snaps before protection is in place. However, winterizing too early can discourage flowering and reduce food sources for migrating hummingbirds.
Best hummingbird plants for winter survival
The following popular hummingbird plants have good odds of overwintering successfully:
Plant | Winterizing Tips |
---|---|
Fuchsia | Bring potted plants indoors, prune back branches |
Trumpet vine | Trim away excessive growth, mound soil over roots |
Angel’s trumpet | Cut back in fall, bring indoors in colder climates |
Coral honeysuckle | Keep roots moist if winter is dry, prune back vines |
Cigar plant | Overwinter indoors, reduce watering |
Lantana | Cut back by 1/3rd, keep indoor or under protection |
Firebush | Wrap or cover shrub to shield from wind/cold |
Yucca | Leave established plants be, protect new plants with burlap |
Focus winter care on maintaining plant structure so growth can rapidly resume in spring. Remove dead foliage or wood to prevent disease.
When to prune hummingbird plants for winter?
Pruning is an important winter prep task. Follow these timing guidelines:
- Spring-blooming shrubs – Prune immediately after flowering
- Summer-blooming shrubs – Prune in late winter or very early spring
- Perennials – Cut back in fall once flowering concludes
- Vines – Trim away excess growth in early fall
- Potted plants – Prune in late fall before bringing indoors
removing spent flowers and trimming plants back by 1/3rd to 1/2 typically improves overwintering. Avoid severe cutting that removes healthy wood.
How to support flowering in winter
While less common, some hummingbird plants can flower through winter with support:
- Use covered areas – Plants under porches or patios are better protected
- Provide heat – Low wattage lights or heating pads can extend growth
- Try greenhouse growing – An enclosed space holds in heat and supports flowers
- Fertilize selectively – Very dilute fertilizer on some plants can encourage blooms
- Leave seed heads – Plants like coneflower provide winter food this way
Target plants that bloom on new or young wood, like fuchsia and lantana. Avoid repeatedly trimming plants, stimulating excessive new growth that won’t harden off properly.
Plants to attract earliest spring hummingbirds
In warmer zones, some plants begin blooming in late winter, providing food as hummingbirds return. The best options include:
- Sages – Varieties like pineapple sage, autumn sage, etc.
- Azaleas – Typically bloom in early spring before leafing out
- Honeysuckles – Fuchsia-like flowers on vines are an early attraction
- Columbines – Dependable spring-blooming perennials
- Penstemons – Tubular flowers pollinated by hummingbirds
Place these plants in protected areas, near feeders or sources of warmth to maximize flowering. Potted plants can be shifted as needed.
Should I leave hummingbird feeders up over winter?
Leaving feeders up may attract stray hummingbirds not joining the migration. However, unfrozen nectar will quickly spoil without diligent maintenance. It’s best to take down feeders by early fall and clean them thoroughly.
If hung, feeders must be monitored daily and nectar replaced to prevent mold or fermentation. Providing fresh flowers is lower maintenance than attempting to keep feeders usable through winter.
Summary of key steps for winterizing hummingbird plants
To recap, here are the main overwintering tips for hummingbird plants:
- Identify plants needing protection or dormancy
- Complete pruning, trimming and cutbacks in fall
- Add winter insulation as needed – burlap, mulch, etc.
- Move potted plants to protected areas
- Water well before ground freezes
- Remove feeders by early fall
- Plan for early-blooming food sources
- Monitor for pests/disease and treat as needed
Taking some time in fall to properly winterize key plants will ensure hummingbirds have plenty of food waiting when they return next year. A little maintenance goes a long way to supporting their extraordinary migration cycle.
Conclusion
Winterizing hummingbird plants involves taking steps to protect them from cold damage while encouraging flowering and food production the following spring. By using insulation, pruning judiciously, moving pots to protected areas, and planning early-blooming options, we can provide essential food sources as hummingbirds return from migration and start nesting. A properly winterized garden is one prepared to welcome hummingbirds back the moment warm weather arrives.