Hey birding_nut where do you live that you see so many rufous hummers ? I tried to leave you a message on my post but had been out of town and message was rejected

I live in WA state, on the dry eastside. I see more Rufous in my yard and in surrounding forested mountain habitat than the other three species, definitely the most abundant. Second most commonly seen is Calliope and then occassionally a Black-chinned will show up, usually only one or two a year in my yard.

BN

Oooooh, that's pretty. Yours came back? I've seen conflicting info about it's hardiness, one site saying zones 6-10, but Dave's saying 9-10. I might have to give it a try ;)

Hi Tracy,

Yes, mine came back in zone 6. It is planted next to my walkway that leads up to my front door. Thus, it essentially was protected from cold winter winds and is somewhat protected by the house and the cement bordering it. We had some nights down in the single digits with very little snow cover but it came back fine this spring. Great plant with a very long blooming period, though individual flowers only last for 2-3 days. Needs well drained soil, is drought tolerant (somewhat) but does equally well with regular watering.

BN