Question: What are some shrubs and flowers to attract hummingbirds?

Answer: Hummingbirds are especially attracted to red and tubular flowers. They will feed at flowers of all colors, but red seems to get their attention first, so include red ones in your garden. Aim to have blooms over a long period. The more hummer favorites you have, the better your chances of attracting them.

Every hummingbird garden should include one or more salvias. Texas sage (sage is another name for salvia), also known as tropical sage (Salvia coccinea), is an annual that blooms all summer. The most popular variety is Lady in Red. Anise-scented salvia (Salvia guaranitica) is a perennial, but unlike most perennials, blooms all summer. Although its flowers are a deep blue, hummingbirds adore it. It is one of the best flowers for a hummingbird garden. Pineapple sage (Salvia rutilans) blooms in fall and is valuable for late migrating hummers. A few other good salvias are autumn sage (Salvia greggii), Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha) and small-leaved sage (Salvia microphylla).

Other hummingbird favorites include firecracker vine (Manettia cordifolia), coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), monarda, red-hot poker, Eastern columbine, cardinal flower, impatiens, red buckeye (Aesculus pavia), nicotiana, scarlet hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus), plumleaf azalea (Rhododendron prunifolium) and other native azaleas, garden phlox (Phlox paniculata), abelia, single tuberose, canna, pickerelweed (for ponds and wet areas), hosta, shrub althea (single, non-seeding ones such as Minerva, Helena and Aphrodite), copper iris (Iris fulva), cigar plant (Cuphea ignea) and candy corn plant/giant Mexican cigar plant (Cuphea micropetala).

Bidwill’s coral bean (Erythrina x bidwillii) and flame anisacanthus (Anisacanthus wrightii) are two hummingbird magnets that are only available from specialty nurseries or catalogs. Flame anisacanthus is a Southwest native with orange flowers. It can look a little rangy at times. Bidwill’s coral bean dies to the ground in winter but comes back to form a large shrub with bright red flowers. Our native spotted jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is an ideal hummingbird plant. It thrives in moist areas but is rarely available for sale. Other favorites that may be harder to find from regular commercial sources are red calamint (Clinopodium coccineum), spigelia, manfreda, fire pink (Silene virginica) and Turk’s cap mallow (Malvaviscus arboreus).

Although they are not tubular, Mexican sunflower/tithonia and single varieties of red zinnia are frequented by hummers. Their flowers may act as billboards to lure hummers to other flowers or to your feeder.

Hummingbirds love trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans). However, it sends up dozens of suckers that can cause havoc. If you plant it, put it where these can be kept under control such as on a fence bordering a lawn or pasture or at the edge of the woods where it can climb up a pine tree and its flowers can act like lighthouse beacons for hummers.

Another vine that attracts hummers is cypress vine (Ipomoea quamoclit). It will take over and also invade your neighbors’ yards. Do not plant it.

You may also want to consider some evergreen trees and shrubs to provide cover and protection. Do not use pesticides on hummingbird plants as hummers eat small insects, and the chemicals can also sicken or kill the birds.

Texas sage is an easy-to-grow annual that is a hummingbird favorite. The most popular variety is Lady in Red.

Consider yourself lucky if you get to see the flash of red from an adult male ruby-throated hummingbird. The feathers are iridescent and only glow red when the light hits them a certain way. Usually they appear black or rusty black.

Anise-scented salvia is a long-blooming perennial that is one of the best flowers to plant for hummingbirds. Blue flowers are uncommon, and the deep blue of anise-scented saliva makes the flower a perfect choice for Independence Day flower arrangements.

Flame anisacanthus produces many small orange flowers that are favorites of hummingbirds. The plant is usually only available from specialty nurseries or seed catalogs.

Q: Is it safe to use rusted canned foods?

A: Heavily rusted cans should be discarded because they may have tiny holes in them that allow bacteria to enter. Surface rust can be removed by rubbing or cleaning is not serious. If you open the can and there is rust inside, do not eat the food.

Q: What are some good tomato varieties to plant for a late crop?

A: Almost any variety will do. Varieties with disease resistance are a good idea if you have had problems in the past. Some people choose varieties that are good for storing through the winter such as Longkeeper or one of the plum tomatoes such as Roma or Viva Italia.

If you have questions about agriculture, horticulture, food safety or services or products regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, write Arty Schronce (arty.schronce@agr.georgia.gov) or visit the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s website (www.agr.georgia.gov).