Although I planted practically every hummer-attracting plant I know of in my garden, I wasn't getting any of the local black hummers (some with red breasts, some with blue areas...haven't seen them yet although I did see and hear one hmmer buzz past me today in the garden center LOL). I finally asked the garden center and was told that the hummers here aren't attracted to the same things as the hummers in the U.S. LOL! So all of my Salvias (which I love anyway so not exactly a loss there) aren't any use in attracting these guys. I was given the names of 4 plants that attract them:
http://davesgarden.com/pdb/go/1844/index.html (Hamelia patens)
http://davesgarden.com/pdb/go/60979/index.html (Tecoma alata)
some species of Abutilon that I can't remember
http://davesgarden.com/pdb/go/639/index.html Salvia coccinea (which I have but it isn't doing the job)
I bought 2 Tecoma alata bushes (which I'll prune in the shape of small trees to save on "floor space" for the kids to run). I doubt I'll get any hummers from them this year, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for next year :-) And if I can find room in my garden to squeeze one in, I'll add a Hamelia too. Hmmmm do you think that in my heat, a Hamelia would do well in a pot on the patio? Wish me luck! :-)
At least *I* like my dozen or so types of Salvia! LOL
-Julie
Okay so there is hope afterall....
I don't get many hummers either Julie. I live to close to the city, but I just happened to glance out into my yard as I am on the computer here in my kitchen and I see a hummer buzzing my wind chimes. I got really excited because I just never see any around here. They are probably starting to migrate. I do have a trumpet vine in my yard so I'm sure it will visit that before he continues on his journey.
Julie, I have a firebush (Hamelia patens), too., and a Tecoma (T. stans, yellow bells). They both are very attractive to hummers here in N Texas. Hope you get some pics when that hummer shows up. Sounds like a real beauty! Aren't hummers more attracted to color rather than a specific plant species? Have you tried hummer feeders?
John
Hi John,
We don't have hummer feeders here. Monterey suggested I look at Lowe's online and I will do that tomorrow. I live in Israel and there aren't that many species of hummers here (maye 2-3 at most as far as I can tell from talking to local people who know more than I do). The one time I did see a hummer here it sure was a pretty site. I've never seen such a black one before. I'll try to find a pic of one even if it's not in my own garden LOL. If I do I'll post it here.
-Julie
Hi Julie ... I'll be watchin' this thread also, in avid anticipation of seeing a pic of any hummers you may find and shoot!
And I hope too, that you will soon be bestowed some most wonderful blessings of seeing the hummers come to your flowers, soon ...
- mags
No hummer feeders in Israel? Could this be a business opportunity for you? Might help pay for your garden! :-)
Sorry I didn't reply sooner Magpye. I bought a Quisqualis indica today and the two people I really trust most at the garden center said that their hummers go crazy for them (there is a mama hummer and she's got a nest with 2 babies right there inside the garden center). I put it and the Tecoma alata about 3 meters away from each other, so there's a little buffet going there if the hummers every find us LOL.
My garden center (and all of them really here in Israel) aren't real big on Latin names...and don't really worry themselves silly if they put the wrong Latin name on a plant either ;-). So although I know that there is one type of hummingbird here at least, I was told today that there is a bird that looks "just like a hummingbird but isn't". I think there must be one species here that they refer to as a hummer and the other species (singular or plural here LOL) is/are called something else. It gets confusing getting this English/Hebrew/Latin thing all sorted out. LOL. In any case, the "other" one is reportedly "dark but very shiny" whatever that means. If I ever get a photo I'll post it immediately :-). And if I see one without getting a photo, I'll at least describe it to you.
Fingers crossed :-)
-Julie
imway2dumb, I think there just aren't enough hummers here (different kinds that is) and interest. The norm here is for people to live in apartments, not in homes with their own private piece of grass. We have a garden apartment even. And most Israeli's hire someone else to take care of their lawns....they just want to go out and have a coffee in the morning, a drinks with friends, and perhaps dinner outside on a Friday evening. They don't like getting their hands in the dirt here like we do. Most of the people I know think I'm nuts about my garden. Well, I AM, but that's beside the point LOL
I've had lots of business ideas since I came here, but the problem is that I think like an American. In order for me to get a successful business idea, I need to find a way to think more like an Israeli LOL
-Julie
Julie, check this out!
http://www.mangoverde.com/birdsound/picpages/pic86-125-3.html
Pretty cool, huh? :-)
There's another, Amazilia tzacat. The kinda likes are swifts. Did a little googleing.
Aaahhhh, now I just GOTTA have one of those in my garden! The customs people will just have to understand when I try to import a little family of them. I mean, they ARE mine afterall! :-) Thanks for that! Definitely brought a smile to my face. See? :-) seriously though, she/he sure is a pretty little thing. Such brilliant color! I showed it to my husband and he said the same thing as I did..."well, we'll have to find a way to bring them over here LOL".
-Julie
No! I am only here in Israel for a visit. No! I don't know about any Lowe's feeders or anybody named Julie! I do not know that person with the dirt all over her! Look I am just here for some nector. Hummingbird? I am not a hummingbird! Alright you've got me I just had to meet her. I wanted to be the first Israely hummer. I am hooked on Salvia, I can't help it.
ROTLFMAO! Too funny!
-Julie