Creating a Hummingbird Haven: The Best Hummingbird Friendly Plants

Why Attracting Hummingbirds is Good for Your Garden

Are you looking to add some color and life to your garden? Look no further than hummingbirds! These tiny, colorful birds are not only beautiful to look at, but they also play an important role in pollinating flowers.

One of the easiest ways to attract hummingbirds to your garden is by planting hummingbird-friendly plants. Not sure where to ? Don't worry – we've got you covered. In this blog post, we'll cover the best plants to attract hummingbirds, as well as some tips on how to care for them.

The Best Hummingbird Friendly Plants

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a favorite among hummingbirds – and it's easy to see why. Their bright yellow petals and long stems make them easy targets for these tiny birds. Sunflowers are also easy to grow and require minimal maintenance.

To plant sunflowers, simply sow seeds directly into the ground in late spring or early summer. Make sure the soil is well-drained and receives plenty of sunlight. Water regularly and watch as your sunflowers grow tall and strong, attracting hummingbirds all season long.

Lilacs

Lilacs are another great option for attracting hummingbirds to your garden. Their fragrant purple blooms are a favorite among these birds, and they're also easy to care for.

To plant lilacs, choose a spot in your garden that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil. Plant in the fall or early spring, and water regularly to keep the soil moist.

Salvia

Salvia is a versatile plant that comes in a variety of colors, including red, purple, and blue. Hummingbirds are particularly fond of the red varieties, but they'll also visit other colors as well.

To plant salvia, choose a spot in your garden that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil. Plant in the spring or fall, and water regularly to keep the soil moist.

Trumpet Vine

If you're looking for a plant that will really grab hummingbirds' attention, look no further than the trumpet vine. This fast-growing vine produces bright orange flowers that hummingbirds can't resist.

To plant trumpet vine, choose a spot in your garden that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil. Plant in the spring or fall, and water regularly to keep the soil moist. Be warned, though – trumpet vine can grow quickly and may require some pruning to keep it under control.

Bee Balm

Bee balm is another great option for attracting hummingbirds to your garden. Its bright red flowers are a favorite among these birds, and they're also easy to care for.

To plant bee balm, choose a spot in your garden that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil. Plant in the spring or fall, and water regularly to keep the soil moist. Bee balm can spread quickly, so be sure to give it plenty of room to grow.

Fuchsia

Fuchsia is a beautiful, delicate plant that is a favorite among hummingbirds. Its bright pink and purple flowers are the perfect size for these tiny birds to feed on.

To plant fuchsia, choose a spot in your garden that receives partial shade and has well-drained soil. Plant in the spring or fall, and water regularly to keep the soil moist. Fuchsia can be sensitive to cold weather, so be sure to protect it during the winter months.

Zinnia

Zinnias are a popular annual flower that come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, and pink. Hummingbirds are particularly fond of the red and orange varieties.

To plant zinnias, sow seeds directly into the ground in late spring or early summer. Make sure the soil is well-drained and receives plenty of sunlight. Water regularly and watch as your zinnias attract hummingbirds all season long.

Columbine

Columbine is a delicate, bell-shaped flower that comes in a variety of colors, including red, pink, and blue. Hummingbirds are particularly fond of the red varieties.

To plant columbine, choose a spot in your garden that receives partial shade and has well-drained soil. Plant in the spring or fall, and water regularly to keep the soil moist. Columbine can spread quickly, so be sure to give it plenty of room to grow.

Penstemon

Penstemon is a hardy perennial that comes in a variety of colors, including red, pink, and purple. Hummingbirds are particularly fond of the red varieties.

To plant penstemon, choose a spot in your garden that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil. Plant in the spring or fall, and water regularly to keep the soil moist. Penstemon can be cut back in the fall to promote new growth in the spring.

Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is a fragrant vine that produces tubular flowers that hummingbirds love. Its blooms come in a variety of colors, including pink, yellow, and white.

To plant honeysuckle, choose a spot in your garden that receives partial shade and has well-drained soil. Plant in the spring or fall, and water regularly to keep the soil moist. Honeysuckle can be invasive, so be sure to monitor it closely.

Verbena

Verbena is a hardy perennial that comes in a variety of colors, including red, pink, and purple. Hummingbirds are particularly fond of the red varieties.

To plant verbena, choose a spot in your garden that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil. Plant in the spring or fall, and water regularly to keep the soil moist. Verbena can be cut back in the fall to promote new growth in the spring.

Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan is a popular wildflower that produces bright yellow petals with dark centers. Hummingbirds are particularly fond of the red varieties.

To plant black-eyed Susan, sow seeds directly into the ground in late spring or early summer. Make sure the soil is well-drained and receives plenty of sunlight. Water regularly and watch as your black-eyed Susans attract hummingbirds all season long.

Coral Bells

Coral bells are a hardy perennial that produces delicate bell-shaped flowers in a variety of colors, including red, pink, and white. Hummingbirds are particularly fond of the red varieties.

To plant coral bells, choose a spot in your garden that receives partial shade and has well-drained soil. Plant in the spring or fall, and water regularly to keep the soil moist. Coral bells can be divided in the fall to promote new growth in the spring.

Cardinal Flower

Cardinal flower is a stunning plant that produces bright red blooms that hummingbirds love. It's also easy to care for – simply plant in a spot that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil.

Tips for Caring for Hummingbird Friendly Plants

Now that you know which plants to choose, it's important to take care of them properly to ensure they thrive. Here are some tips for caring for hummingbird friendly plants:

Provide Adequate Watering

Hummingbird friendly plants require regular watering to keep the soil moist. Be sure to water them deeply and consistently to promote healthy growth.

Use Fertilizer Sparingly

While fertilizer can be helpful for promoting growth, too much can actually harm your plants. Use a slow-release fertilizer sparingly to avoid over-fertilizing.

Prune Regularly

Regular pruning can help promote new growth and prevent your plants from becoming overgrown. Be sure to use clean, sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging your plants.

Monitor for Pests and Disease

Keep an eye out for pests and disease that can harm your plants. If you notice any issues, take action quickly to prevent them from spreading.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hummingbird Friendly Plants

Q: Do I need to have a special feeder to attract hummingbirds?

A: While hummingbird feeders can be helpful in attracting hummingbirds, they're not necessary if you have plenty of hummingbird friendly plants in your garden.

Q: Can I plant hummingbird friendly plants in containers?

A: Yes! Many hummingbird friendly plants do well in containers, as long as they receive adequate sunlight and watering.

Q: Will hummingbird friendly plants attract other pollinators?

A: Yes – while these plants are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, they'll also attract other pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Q: How often should I water my hummingbird friendly plants?

A: Hummingbird friendly plants require regular watering to keep the soil moist. Water deeply and consistently, but avoid over-watering.

Q: Will hummingbirds stay in my garden all year round?

A: While hummingbirds may visit your garden throughout the year, they typically migrate to warmer climates during the winter months.

Attracting hummingbirds to your garden is not only beautiful, but it's also beneficial for the environment. By planting hummingbird friendly plants, you'll not only add some color and life to your garden, but you'll also be doing your part to support these important pollinators. Whether you choose sunflowers, lilacs, or any of the other plants on this list, you're sure to enjoy watching as hummingbirds flock to your garden all season long.