The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

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Plants Hummingbirds Like

If you're a birdwatcher or just enjoy having birds in your yard, attracting hummingbirds can be a fun and rewarding experience. One way to do this is by planting the right types of flowers and plants. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about choosing plants that hummingbirds love.

Why Planting for Hummingbirds Is Important

Hummingbirds are important pollinators and play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance. By planting the right types of flowers and plants, you can attract them to your yard and help support their populations. Plus, watching these tiny birds flit around your garden is a joy in itself!

Understanding Hummingbird Behavior

Before we dive into the specifics of what plants hummingbirds like, it's important to understand a bit about their behavior. Hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored flowers, particularly those that are red, orange, or pink. They also prefer tubular-shaped flowers that allow them to insert their long beaks and tongues to extract nectar.

What Types of Flowers Do Hummingbirds Like?

There are several types of flowers that hummingbirds tend to favor. Here are some of the most popular options:

Bee balm
Columbine
Salvia
Fuchsia
Honeysuckle
Petunia
Zinnia
Lantana
Penstemon
Impatiens

What Other Plants Do Hummingbirds Like?

While flowers are the most obvious choice for attracting hummingbirds, there are also other types of plants that they enjoy. Here are some examples:

Shrubs: Hummingbirds like shrubs that provide shelter and protection. Some good options include azaleas, camellias, and holly.
Trees: Trees with small or spiky leaves can be a good choice, as they provide cover for the birds. Examples include dogwoods and willows.
Vines: Vines can provide a lot of nectar-rich flowers in a small space. Some good options include trumpet vine, clematis, and morning glory.

Planting Strategies for Attracting Hummingbirds

Now that you know what types of plants hummingbirds like, it's time to think about how to plant them for maximum effect.

Group Similar Plants Together

One strategy is to group similar plants together. This creates a larger patch of the same type of flower, which is more likely to attract hummingbirds than a single plant on its own.

Choose Plants That Bloom at Different Times

Another strategy is to choose plants that bloom at different times throughout the season. This ensures that there is always something in your yard that is attractive to hummingbirds, even as the seasons change.

Use Hanging Baskets and Window Boxes

Hanging baskets and window boxes are another option for planting hummingbird-friendly flowers. These can be especially effective if you don't have a lot of yard space, as they allow you to create a vertical garden.

Caring for Your Hummingbird Plants

Once you've planted your hummingbird-friendly garden, it's important to take care of it properly. Here are some tips for keeping your plants healthy and attractive to hummingbirds:

Watering

Make sure to water your plants regularly, particularly during dry spells. Hummingbirds will be attracted to plants that have plenty of nectar-rich flowers, and this requires adequate watering.

Fertilizing

Use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus to encourage blooming. This will help ensure that your plants produce plenty of flowers to attract hummingbirds.

Deadheading

Remove spent flowers from your plants regularly, as this encourages the growth of new blooms. This will help keep your garden looking fresh and attractive to hummingbirds.

FAQs

Q: What time of year should I plant my hummingbird garden?

A: The best time to plant your hummingbird garden depends on where you live. In general, it's best to plant in the spring or fall, when temperatures are cooler and there is more moisture in the air.

Q: How can I keep ants away from my hummingbird feeder?

A: Ants are attracted to the sugar water in hummingbird feeders. To keep them away, try using an ant moat, which is a small cup that attaches to the feeder and is filled with water.

Q: How often should I clean my hummingbird feeder?

A: It's important to clean your hummingbird feeder at least once a week to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Use hot, soapy water and a brush to scrub the feeder thoroughly.

Q: Can I use pesticides on my hummingbird plants?

A: Pesticides can be harmful to hummingbirds and other pollinators. Instead, try using natural pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Q: How close together should I plant my hummingbird-friendly flowers?

A: This depends on the type of plant and its growth habits. As a general rule, you should space plants according to their mature size, with enough room for air circulation between them.

I hope this guide has been helpful in choosing the right plants to attract hummingbirds to your yard. With the right selection of flowers and plants, you'll be able to enjoy these fascinating birds up close and help support their populations at the same time.