The Self-Seeding Flower That Will Grow Tall And Attract Hummingbirds To Your Garden

Hummingbirds are a sure sign that warm weather is coming, and if you want to attract more of the sweet birds to your yard, then kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate (Persicaria orientalis) is one flower that will transform your space into a hummingbird heaven. With its tall, arching stems and cascading pink blooms, this annual is both a vibrant addition to your garden and one that provides plenty of nectar for hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors rather than smells, which is why the vibrant magenta pink blooms of kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate can draw these birds in. But it's not just about looks. The Persicaria orientalis' flower clusters are also rich in nectar, offering a reliable energy source for hummingbirds and other pollinators, like bees and butterflies. What makes this flower even more attractive to both hummingbirds and gardeners alike is its lengthy blooming time. Kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate typically flowers from July through November, which makes it perfect for supporting hummingbirds in your garden who are sourcing some late-summer nectar before they migrate south for the winter.

Kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate is the kind of plant that can bring a "wow" factor to any green space, largely because this annual can reach heights of 6 to 9 feet in just a single season. Hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 10, this fast-growing annual takes off as soon as warm weather arrives. It thrives in full sun but will tolerate partial shade, and it prefers moist, well-draining soil. Once established, kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate requires very little upkeep other than keeping it well hydrated, making it a great option for gardeners who want maximum impact with minimal effort.

However, not all regions are suited to this plant — particularly across the southeastern states, where kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate can spread aggressively. It's also listed as mildly invasive in West Virginia, Delaware, and New Jersey. Because of this, gardeners should do some homework before planting and check their local invasive species lists to ensure it's a safe choice for their region.

One of the reasons this flower has remained a staple for cottage gardens, and one that looks great draped over a white picket fence (hence the name), is how simple it is to grow and keep in your garden. Kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate's seeds can be sown in the garden just after the last frost, or they can be planted indoors a few weeks earlier to give them a head start. If you want to help speed up their germination, putting the seeds in the refrigerator for three weeks before sowing is a no-effort seed hack that works wonders. When ready to plant, sow the seeds in loosened soil, and space them apart with their 2-to-4-foot mature width kept in mind.

Once planted, these flowers need to be regularly watered to help them get established. No pruning is required, and after its first season, kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate should self-seed, meaning you may find new seedlings popping up the following spring without having to replant. Just let a few blooms drop to the ground and go to seed at the end of the growing season. Combine that with the towering height, bold color, and pollinator-loving nectar, and it's easy to see why both gardeners and hummingbirds love this stunning plant.