Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden with These Best Plants
Best Plants for Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are among the most beautiful and fascinating birds in the world. They are known for their ability to hover in mid-air, fly backwards, and beat their wings at incredible speeds. If you want to attract these amazing creatures to your garden, you'll need to plant the right kinds of flowers and plants. Here are some of the best plants for hummingbirds:
1. Bee Balm
Bee balm is a perennial plant that produces clusters of red, pink, or purple flowers. The flowers are rich in nectar, making them a favorite of hummingbirds. Bee balm grows best in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist soil.
2. Salvia
Salvia, also known as sage, is a popular flower among hummingbirds. It produces long spikes of tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, and red. Salvia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
3. Fuchsia
Fuchsia is a flowering shrub with delicate, pendulous flowers in shades of pink, purple, and red. The flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds due to their high nectar content. Fuchsia prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
4. Trumpet Vine
Trumpet vine is a fast-growing vine that produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange and red. The flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds due to their long, narrow shape. Trumpet vine grows best in full sun and well-drained soil.
5. Cardinal Flower
Cardinal flower is a perennial plant that produces bright red, tubular flowers. The flowers are rich in nectar, making them a favorite of hummingbirds. Cardinal flower grows best in full sun to partial shade and moist soil.
6. Butterfly Bush
Butterfly bush, also known as buddleia, is a shrub that produces long spikes of fragrant flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white. The flowers are a favorite of both butterflies and hummingbirds. Butterfly bush grows best in full sun and well-drained soil.
7. Columbine
Columbine is a perennial plant that produces delicate, bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and red. The flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds due to their long, tube-like shape. Columbine grows best in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
8. Penstemon
Penstemon, also known as beardtongue, is a perennial plant that produces long spikes of tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, and red. The flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds due to their high nectar content. Penstemon grows best in full sun and well-drained soil.
9. Lantana
Lantana is a shrub that produces clusters of small, brightly colored flowers in shades of pink, orange, yellow, and red. The flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds due to their high nectar content. Lantana grows best in full sun and well-drained soil.
10. Zinnia
Zinnia is an annual plant that produces large, colorful flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and white. The flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds due to their high nectar content. Zinnia grows best in full sun and well-drained soil.
11. Red Hot Poker
Red hot poker, also known as torch lily, is a perennial plant that produces spikes of tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. The flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds due to their long, narrow shape. Red hot poker grows best in full sun and well-drained soil.
12. Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle is a vine that produces clusters of fragrant, tubular flowers in shades of pink, yellow, and white. The flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds due to their high nectar content. Honeysuckle grows best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
13. Petunia
Petunia is an annual plant that produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. The flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds due to their high nectar content. Petunia grows best in full sun and well-drained soil.
14. Morning Glory
Morning glory is a vine that produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. The flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds due to their high nectar content. Morning glory grows best in full sun and well-drained soil.
15. Impatiens
Impatiens is an annual plant that produces bright, colorful flowers in shades of pink, red, orange, and white. The flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds due to their high nectar content. Impatiens grows best in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Garden
Now that you know which plants are best for hummingbirds, here are some tips on how to attract them to your garden:
1. Plant a variety of flowers and plants
Hummingbirds are attracted to a wide range of flowers and plants, so be sure to plant a variety of species in your garden.
2. Provide a water source
Hummingbirds need access to water for drinking and bathing. You can provide a water source by installing a fountain or birdbath in your garden.
3. Avoid using pesticides
Pesticides can be harmful to hummingbirds, so avoid using them in your garden. Instead, use natural methods to control pests, such as companion planting and handpicking.
4. Hang a feeder
You can also attract hummingbirds to your garden by hanging a hummingbird feeder filled with sugar water.
5. Keep your garden in bloom
Hummingbirds need a continuous supply of nectar throughout the growing season, so be sure to plant flowers that bloom at different times throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How often do hummingbirds need to feed?
A. Hummingbirds need to feed every 10-15 minutes during the day, consuming up to twice their body weight in nectar.
Q2. What is the best time of day to see hummingbirds?
A. Hummingbirds are most active during the early morning and late afternoon.
Q3. How can I make my own hummingbird nectar?
A. To make hummingbird nectar, mix four parts water with one part white granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it cool before filling your feeder.
Q4. What should I do if I find an injured hummingbird?
A. If you find an injured hummingbird, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance.
Q5. How long do hummingbirds live?
A. Hummingbirds typically live for 3-5 years in the wild.
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