Hanging Baskets That Attract Hummingbirds

Do you love watching hummingbirds flit around your garden? These tiny, colorful birds are fascinating to observe, and one of the best ways to attract them to your yard is by providing them with a source of nectar. While many people choose to plant flowers that hummingbirds love, another option is to hang baskets filled with plants that these birds find irresistible. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best hanging basket plants for attracting hummingbirds.

The Best Plants for Hummingbird Baskets

When selecting plants for your hummingbird basket, it's important to choose varieties that are nectar-rich and have tubular flowers that the birds can easily feed from. Here are some of the top options:

Fuchsia

Fuchsia is a classic choice for hummingbird baskets, thanks to its delicate, bell-shaped flowers that are perfectly sized for these small birds. There are many different varieties of fuchsia to choose from, including trailing types that work well in baskets.

How to Grow Fuchsia in Baskets

To grow fuchsia in a basket, choose a variety that is suited to containers and provide it with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize every two weeks during the growing season. Make sure the basket is hung in a location that receives partial shade.

Petunia

Petunias are another great choice for hummingbird baskets, especially when planted in bright, bold colors like red or purple. The trumpet-shaped flowers are perfect for hummingbirds to feed from.

How to Grow Petunia in Baskets

Petunias are easy to grow in baskets. Choose a variety that is suited to containers, and provide it with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize every two weeks during the growing season. Petunias prefer full sun, so make sure the basket is hung in a sunny location.

Begonia

Begonias are known for their showy flowers, which come in a wide range of colors and patterns. Many varieties have tubular flowers that hummingbirds love.

How to Grow Begonia in Baskets

To grow begonias in a basket, choose a trailing variety and provide it with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize every two weeks during the growing season. Begonias prefer partial shade, so make sure the basket is hung in a location that receives some shade during the day.

Lobelia

Lobelia is another great choice for hummingbird baskets, thanks to its bright blue or red flowers that are perfectly sized for these birds. There are many different varieties of lobelia to choose from, including trailing types that work well in baskets.

How to Grow Lobelia in Baskets

To grow lobelia in a basket, choose a variety that is suited to containers and provide it with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize every two weeks during the growing season. Lobelias prefer full sun to partial shade, so make sure the basket is hung in a location that receives plenty of light.

Other Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds

In addition to hanging baskets filled with nectar-rich plants, there are other things you can do to attract hummingbirds to your yard. Here are some tips:

Provide a Water Source

Hummingbirds love to bathe and drink from moving water, so consider adding a bird bath or fountain to your yard.

Plant Native Flowers

Native flowers are often the best choice for attracting hummingbirds, as they have evolved alongside these birds and provide the nectar they need.

Avoid Pesticides

Pesticides can be harmful to hummingbirds, so avoid using them in your garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I water my hummingbird basket?

A: Hummingbird baskets should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Depending on the climate and the size of the basket, this may mean watering once or twice per week.

Q: Can I grow other plants in my hummingbird basket?

A: Yes, you can certainly mix different types of plants in your hummingbird basket. Just make sure that at least one of the plants is nectar-rich and has tubular flowers that hummingbirds can feed from.

Q: Do I need to fertilize my hummingbird basket?

A: Yes, regular fertilization is important for keeping your plants healthy and producing lots of blooms. Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

Q: Should I deadhead the flowers on my hummingbird plants?

A: Deadheading (removing spent flowers) can encourage your plants to produce more blooms, which will in turn attract more hummingbirds. However, it's not necessary to deadhead if you don't want to.

Q: What should I do if I see a sick or injured hummingbird in my yard?

A: Contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for guidance on how to help the bird.

Hanging baskets filled with nectar-rich plants are a great way to attract hummingbirds to your yard. By choosing the right plants and following these tips, you can create a welcoming habitat for these fascinating birds.