7 tubular flowers to never deadhead in September – these plants are a late-summer lifeline for migrating hummingbirds on their epic journey south

In September, many gardeners start eyeing spent stems and brown petals with a bit of unease. Naturally, you might be tempted to reach for the snips and give your borders and pots a tidy. But, for some species, it is not a good idea to trim, especially not when it comes to tubular flowers that are popular with hungry hummingbirds still passing through.

Some flowers – salvias, agastaches, penstemons – don’t tend to send out more blooms this late in the year. Once they’re cut, that’s it. You’re trimming away nectar that birds might have needed on a final stop. So, while some blooms might look a little brown, there is still sweetness in these stems that migrating birds will be grateful for.

So, this year, why not leave these seven plants well alone and support hummingbirds as they make their long, epic journey south? Here are seven annuals and perennials to never deadhead for hummingbirds.

7 tubular flowers to never deadhead in September

During the hummingbird migration in September, certain nectar-rich flowers can still serve a vital role – even when faded. So, even if your blooms look a little brown or past their best, avoid deadheading them and just let nature run its course.

Here are seven plants you should not deadhead this month.

1. Hummingbird mint

You might be tempted to trim your hummingbird mint, or Agastache spp., especially if the purple flowers have turned brown, but I would recommend leaving stalks in place from September onwards.

These spires are full of tiny trumpet-like blooms, which are nectar reserves, or, best thought of as late-season pit stops for hummingbirds and other pollinators.

So, don’t deadhead this perennial, as no new stalks will come this late in the season. Let the golden and bronze hues go on for a few weeks more.

If you want to add a new variety to plant in the fall, try Agastache 'Royal Raspberry', with live plants available from Burpee.

2. Penstemon

I’ve grown penstemons in many different gardens, from sun-baked terraces in Tuscany to wind-swept rural plots in Wales. They are remarkably hardy and keep the floral show going late into the growing season.

As you might know, penstemons are some of the best perennials to attract hummingbirds, popular for their nectar-rich blooms.

But, in terms of how to deadhead penstemon, I would suggest stopping now. Chances are, you won't get any more shoots. So, enjoy what you have, in all its fading glory, and let migrating birds feast on the last blooms.

Fancy a new penstemon this coming year? Try growing the blue-flowering Rocky Mountain Penstemon, with seeds available now via Amazon.

3. Cigar flower

The unusual cigar plant, or Cuphea ignea, has brilliant, tiny flowers that open in shades of orange.

In pots and beds, these are unbeatable flowers to attract hummingbirds, and can often go on blooming through until October in sunny, sheltered yards.

Regardless of where you grow this annual, in September, don’t touch it. The flowers might be fading, yes, but it won't rebloom this late in the year. Those browning petals can still offer sustenance to migrating hummingbirds, so hold off pruning for a little while yet.

Want to watch hummingbirds up close in your yard? Try these Occer wildlife binoculars, available now via Amazon.

4. Bee balm

Deadheading bee balm, or Monarda spp., is a good idea earlier in the growing season, but by September, it is best to put the pruners away and leave your perennial to do its thing.

Even when the flowers have browned, you'll see hummingbirds hover and sip at bee balm blooms, clearly still valuable even past their prime.

If you fancy adding a new Monarda variety to your yard, try this 'Balmy Rose' bee balm plant from Amazon.

5. Salvia

If you grow salvia in pots or borders, you'll know that these perennials can go on flowering for many months of the year, typically producing many thousands of tiny tubular, nectar-rich flowers that will attract pollinators.

While deadheading salvias is a good idea earlier in the season, from September, it is not worth the effort, as no new flower stems will emerge. Plus, hummingbirds adore even the faded stems.

If you want to add another variety to your yard, try Salvia nemorosa 'May Night', with live plants available at Amazon.

6. Cardinal flower

Cardinal flowers, or Lobelia cardinalis, are perhaps the ultimate plant to attract hummingbirds. But, come September, leave any remaining flower stems in place, even if they are more brown than scarlet.

While you might think deadheading is a good idea earlier in the summer, at this stage, it is not worth it.

If you want to add a few more clumps to your borders, September is a good time to plant. Try these live cardinal flower plants from Amazon.

7. Cardinal creeper

The cardinal creeper, or Ipomoea quamoclit, is one of the best climbers to attract hummingbirds, producing masses of red blooms throughout the growing season.

However, by September, I suggest leaving this annual vine in place. Forget deadheading, pruning or tidying up. Just leave it alone for a few more weeks, and insects and birds will be able to feed on any remaining nectar as the weather drops and fewer flowers can be found.

You can then cut back and compost the plant in the winter months, when hummingbirds have safely made their way south.

One final bit of advice – if you have lots of hummingbird feeders in your yard, be sure to keep them clean even in September to avoid any diseases or infections spreading.

And, remember to keep them topped up with nectar solution to fuel any hummingbirds passing by.

For more information, see our guide on how to remove black mold on hummingbird feeders.

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