In the tapestry of nature, hummingbirds stand out as jeweled masterpieces, flitting from flower to flower with an elegance and vibrancy that captures the heart. These tiny aviators, with their iridescent feathers and rapid wingbeats, bring a touch of magic to any garden.
But how does one transform a simple backyard into a hummingbird haven? The answer lies in the plants you choose.
Dive into the world of botanical allure as we explore how to curate a garden that beckons these mesmerizing creatures, turning your outdoor space into a symphony of color, movement, and melody.
Hummingbird Attracting Plants and Flowers
How to attract hummingbirds to your garden? Hummingbirds are particularly attracted to brightly colored, tubular flowers that provide ample nectar. Here’s a some of the garden plants that are attractive to hummingbirds and how they attract hummingbirds to a garden.
All these plants are not only beautiful additions to any garden but also serve as essential feeding spots for hummingbirds. Their tubular, brightly colored flowers filled with nectar are perfectly suited to the feeding habits and preferences of hummingbirds, ensuring a lively and vibrant garden buzzing with these tiny aviators.
01. Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans)
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is a vigorous, deciduous vine that can grow up to 30 feet long. It has trumpet-shaped flowers that come in orange, red, yellow, or purple. Trumpet vine is a popular choice for covering fences or walls. It is also a good nectar source for hummingbirds.
Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans) is a beautiful flowering plant that can attract hummingbirds to your garden. The name itself gives a clue as to why these birds are drawn to this particular vine. The trumpet vine produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of bright orange or red, which are rich in nectar.
Hummingbirds have a unique ability to hover in mid-air, thanks to their rapid wing beats. This hovering behavior makes them perfectly suited for feeding on the nectar of trumpet vine flowers. The tubular shape of the flowers allows hummingbirds to insert their long bills and tongues to access the nectar deep within. The vibrant colors of the flowers also catch the attention of hummingbirds, who are attracted to bright hues.
The nectar of trumpet vine flowers provides a valuable source of energy for hummingbirds. These tiny birds have a high metabolism and need to consume large amounts of nectar to fuel their active lifestyle. By planting trumpet vines in your garden, you can create a welcoming habitat for hummingbirds and help support their nutritional needs.
To maximize the attraction of hummingbirds to your garden, consider planting multiple trumpet vines in different areas. This will create a larger area of enticing flowers for the birds to feed from. Additionally, placing the vines near other hummingbird-friendly plants, such as bee balm or salvias, can further enhance the appeal of your garden to these delightful creatures.
It’s important to note that trumpet vine can be a vigorous grower and may require regular maintenance to keep it in check. Some gardeners choose to grow trumpet vine on a trellis or arbor to help control its growth and prevent it from spreading too aggressively.
The trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is a fantastic choice for attracting hummingbirds to your garden. Its large, trumpet-shaped flowers in vibrant colors are irresistible to these tiny birds. Planting trumpet vines and creating a hummingbird-friendly habitat can provide a source of nectar and help support these fascinating creatures in your garden.
02. Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)
Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) is a genus of flowering shrubs and vines. There are many different species of honeysuckle, but they all have fragrant flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Honeysuckle is a good choice for growing in a sunny spot with moist soil.
Honeysuckles are a wonderful addition to any garden, especially if you want to attract hummingbirds. These beautiful flowers are known for their sweet scent and come in a variety of colors, such as red, orange, and yellow. The tubular shape of honeysuckle flowers is perfectly designed to accommodate hummingbirds.
Hummingbirds are drawn to honeysuckle flowers because of the rich nectar they contain. This nectar serves as a vital source of energy for these tiny birds, allowing them to fuel their high metabolism and sustain their fast-paced flight. The sweet aroma of the flowers acts as an olfactory lure, guiding hummingbirds straight to the source of this delicious nectar.
Interestingly, it is not just the nectar that attracts hummingbirds to honeysuckle. The vibrant colors of the flowers also play a significant role. Hummingbirds are attracted to bright hues, especially reds, oranges, and yellows. These colors stand out in the natural landscape and act as visual cues to these birds, signaling the presence of a potential food source.
When planting honeysuckles in your garden, it’s essential to choose varieties that are known to attract hummingbirds. Some popular choices include Lonicera sempervirens (Trumpet Honeysuckle) and Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle). These species provide an abundance of nectar and have the ideal flower shape for hummingbirds to access the sweet reward.
To create an inviting space for hummingbirds, consider planting honeysuckles near a feeder or bird bath. This will provide additional attractions for these delightful creatures and encourage them to visit your garden more frequently. Ensure that the plants receive enough sunlight and water to thrive, as healthy honeysuckles will produce more flowers and, consequently, more nectar for the hummingbirds to enjoy.
Honeysuckles are a perfect choice if you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden. The sweet scent, tubular shape, and vibrant colors of these flowers make them irresistible to these tiny birds. By planting honeysuckles and providing the necessary care, you can create a haven for hummingbirds and enjoy the beauty and excitement they bring to your outdoor space.
03. Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)
Columbine (Aquilegia spp.) is a perennial wildflower that has showy flowers with long, drooping spurs. Columbine is native to North America and comes in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, white, and yellow. It is a good choice for growing in a rock garden or border.
Columbines, with their unique, spurred flowers that produce nectar, are a perfect attraction for hummingbirds in a garden. These beautiful flowers come in various colors, but the red and pink varieties are especially irresistible to hummingbirds.
The spurs of the columbine flowers hold nectar, which is the main source of food for hummingbirds. These tiny birds have specialized bills that allow them to easily access the nectar within the flower. The shape and structure of the columbine flower make it an ideal feeding spot for hummingbirds.
Additionally, the drooping nature of the flowers provides an easy approach for the hovering birds. Hummingbirds can easily maneuver themselves to reach the nectar, thanks to the flower’s design. This makes the columbines even more appealing to these agile and acrobatic birds.
To attract hummingbirds to a garden, it is essential to have a variety of nectar-rich flowers, and columbines should definitely be part of the mix. Planting red and pink columbines in your garden will create a visual feast for hummingbirds and provide them with a reliable food source.
Columbines are a fantastic choice for attracting hummingbirds to a garden. With their unique spurred flowers that hold nectar and their drooping form that allows for easy access, columbines are a magnet for these delightful birds. Planting columbines in your garden will not only add beauty but also provide a vital food source for hummingbirds.
04. Bee balm (Monarda spp.)
Bee balm (Monarda spp.) is a perennial herb that has fragrant, tubular flowers. Bee balm is native to North America and comes in a variety of colors, including red, pink, purple, and white. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.
Bee balm, also known as wild bergamot, is a beautiful flowering plant that has a special attraction for hummingbirds. The vibrant red, pink, or purple flowers of bee balm are not only visually appealing but also perfectly structured to attract hummingbirds.
One of the main reasons why hummingbirds are drawn to bee balm is the abundance of nectar it produces. Hummingbirds have a high metabolism and need to consume large amounts of nectar to sustain their energy levels. Bee balm offers them a plentiful supply of this sweet liquid, making it an irresistible treat for these tiny birds.
In addition to the copious amounts of nectar, the shape of bee balm flowers also plays a crucial role in attracting hummingbirds. The flower’s crown-shaped appearance creates a natural landing pad for hummingbirds, allowing them to easily access the nectar within. Hummingbirds have long, slender beaks that can reach deep into the tubular shape of bee balm flowers, making it convenient for them to feed.
Furthermore, the bright colors of bee balm flowers act as a beacon to hummingbirds. These birds are highly attracted to vibrant hues, particularly shades of red, pink, and purple. Bee balm’s striking colors stand out in the garden, catching the attention of hummingbirds from afar.
By planting bee balm in your garden, you can create a haven for hummingbirds. Not only will you be providing them with a valuable food source, but you will also be able to enjoy the beauty and grace of these fascinating creatures up close. So, if you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, consider adding bee balm to your list of must-have plants.
Remember to provide adequate care for your bee balm plants, ensuring they receive enough sunlight, water, and nutrients to thrive. Regularly deadhead the flowers to encourage continuous blooming, and watch as the hummingbirds flock to your garden, lured by the irresistible allure of bee balm.
05. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana (Lantana camara) is a tropical shrub that is known for its colorful flowers. Lantana can come in a variety of colors, including orange, red, yellow, pink, and purple. It is a good choice for growing in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. However, it is important to note that lantana is considered an invasive species in some areas.
Lantana flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds due to their unique characteristics. These clusters of tiny tubular blooms are not only visually appealing but also serve as a rich source of nectar for hummingbirds. With a wide range of colors including red, orange, yellow, and pink, lantana flowers act as a beacon for these delightful birds, drawing them in from a distance.
Hummingbirds have a strong affinity for nectar-rich flowers, and lantana certainly fits the bill. The abundance of nectar in lantana flowers provides an ample food source for hummingbirds, allowing them to sustain their high energy levels. As these tiny birds hover near the clusters of lantana blooms, they can easily access the nectar-filled tubular flowers with their long, slender beaks.
Furthermore, lantana flowers have the advantage of blooming for an extended period. This continuous blooming ensures that there is a steady supply of nectar available for hummingbirds throughout their active period. As other flowers may come and go, lantana remains a reliable and enticing food source for these fascinating creatures.
The bright and vibrant colors of lantana flowers also play a significant role in attracting hummingbirds. Hummingbirds have excellent color vision and are particularly drawn to shades of red, orange, and pink. The variety of colors present in lantana flowers acts as a visual magnet, instantly capturing the attention of hummingbirds and guiding them towards the abundant nectar.
In addition to their visual appeal and rich nectar content, lantana flowers are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in various climates. This makes them a popular choice for many gardeners looking to attract hummingbirds. Whether it’s a backyard garden or a larger landscaped area, lantana can be a valuable addition to create an inviting environment for these winged visitors.
Lantana flowers have a remarkable ability to attract hummingbirds to a garden. Their clusters of tiny tubular blooms, nectar-rich content, extended blooming period, and vibrant colors make them irresistible to these delightful creatures. By incorporating lantana into your garden, you can create a haven that hummingbirds will flock to in search of nourishment and beauty.
Attracting Hummingbirds to Gardens (FAQ)
01. What are some ways to attract hummingbirds to my garden?
There are many ways to attract hummingbirds to your garden. Here are a few tips:
- Plant nectar-rich flowers: Hummingbirds need nectar to fuel their high metabolism, so it’s important to plant flowers that are high in nectar. Some good choices include trumpet vine, honeysuckle, columbine, bee balm, and lantana.
- Provide a water source: Hummingbirds also need water to drink and bathe. A birdbath or shallow dish of water will be a welcome addition to your garden.
- Create a shady spot: Hummingbirds need a place to rest and cool off. A shady spot under a tree or shrub will be perfect.
- Avoid using pesticides and herbicides: Pesticides and herbicides can harm hummingbirds, so it’s important to avoid using them in your garden.
- Be patient: It may take some time to attract hummingbirds to your garden. But if you provide the right conditions, they will eventually find their way to you.
02. What are some of the best plants to attract hummingbirds?
Some of the best plants to attract hummingbirds include:
- Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans)
- Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)
- Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)
- Bee balm (Monarda spp.)
- Lantana (Lantana camara)
- Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
- Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
- Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)
- Salvia (Salvia spp.)
- Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
These plants all have tubular flowers that are high in nectar, which is what hummingbirds eat. They also come in a variety of colors, so you can choose the ones that will look best in your garden.
03. How high should I hang a hummingbird feeder?
Hummingbird feeders should be hung about 5-10 feet off the ground. This will make them easy for hummingbirds to reach, but not so high that they are out of reach of predators.
04. How often should I change the nectar in my hummingbird feeder?
You should change the nectar in your hummingbird feeder every 2-3 days. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, which can make the nectar unhealthy for hummingbirds.
05. What should I do if I see a hummingbird that is injured or sick?
If you see a hummingbird that is injured or sick, you can try to help it by taking it to a wildlife rehabilitation center. You can also contact your local Audubon chapter for more information.
