Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Hummingbird Guide
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Fresh nectar in a minute.
Every bag of NectarBloom™ funds the guides, the Hummingbird Trail, the lab testing, and the free care resources on this site. When you buy our nectar, you help us keep hummingbird education open, honest, and growing — for every bird lover, everywhere.
NectarBloom™ — 2 lb Bag
Fresh nectar in a minute.
No boiling, no dye. The same sugar hummingbird flowers make. One ingredient, nothing else. Makes up to 160 oz of fresh feeder nectar per bag.
- Fresh nectar in a minute: measure, stir until clear, and pour
- No boiling, no dye
- The same sugar hummingbird flowers make
- One ingredient, nothing else: 100% pure cane sugar
- Lab tested. Resealable 2 lb bag, sourced and packed in the USA
1 Bag · 2 lb
$21.99
Free shipping included
2 Bags · Season Supply
$39.88
Free shipping included
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“Your purchase isn’t just nectar — it’s how we keep this hummingbird care library free, accurate, and growing.”
Thank you for flying with us
Overview
A vibrant 12-acre public garden and urban oasis in the East Village neighborhood of downtown Des Moines, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden features stunning indoor and outdoor gardens year-round. The outdoor gardens include native-inspired perennial borders with alliums, coneflowers, and seasonal displays celebrating pollinators including Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. The garden has been noted by regional pollinator advocates for integrating native and near-native plants that support Iowa's pollinator populations throughout summer.
Hummingbirds to Watch For
- • Ruby-throated
Most Common Hummingbird
The most commonly sighted hummingbird at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is the Ruby-throated.
Best Time to Visit
Plan your visit during July, August for the highest chance of hummingbird sightings. Early morning and late afternoon are typically the most active feeding times.
Plants and Habitat
- • Bee balm (*Monarda* spp.)
- • Cardinal flower (*Lobelia cardinalis*)
- • Prairie coneflower / echinacea
- • Torch lily / red-hot poker (*Kniphofia* spp.) — nectar source in seasonal displays
- • Salvia / sage — annual and perennial beds
- • Native perennials in outer borders
NectarBloom Tip
The outdoor perimeter gardens are where the native-style plantings are concentrated — spend time in the outer border beds (away from the main dome building) in late July through August for the best hummingbird viewing. Trellis Café on-site makes this a pleasant full morning visit.
Visitor Notes
Admission required. Open year-round. ADA accessible throughout grounds and conservatory. Café on-site.
Reviews and Sightings
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