Hanging Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

If you're a bird lover, then you probably know how fascinating hummingbirds are. These tiny creatures, with their iridescent feathers and speedy wings, are a joy to watch. And if you want to see more of them, the best way is to create a garden that's attractive to them. One way to do that is by hanging plants that hummingbirds love. In this post, we'll discuss some of the best hanging plants that will bring these lovely birds to your garden.

The Best Hanging Plants for Hummingbirds

Fuchsia

Fuchsia is a classic hanging plant that hummingbirds adore. This plant produces bright, tubular flowers that are perfect for the birds' long beaks. The flowers come in different colors, including pink, purple, and red. Fuchsia also has a trailing habit that makes it ideal for hanging baskets.

Tips for Growing Fuchsia

- Fuchsia prefers partial shade and well-draining soil.
- Water it regularly, but don't let the soil get too soggy.
- Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.

Petunia

Petunias are another popular hanging plant that hummingbirds love. These plants produce trumpet-shaped flowers that are rich in nectar, which is what attracts the birds. Petunias come in many colors, including white, pink, and purple, making them a great choice for any garden.

Tips for Growing Petunia

- Plant petunias in full sun and well-draining soil.
- Water them regularly, but don't overwater.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new growth.

Begonia

Begonias are a versatile plant that can be grown in hanging baskets or as ground cover. They produce small, delicate flowers that hummingbirds enjoy. Begonias come in many colors, including red, pink, and white.

Tips for Growing Begonia

- Begonias prefer partial shade and well-draining soil.
- Water them regularly, but don't let the soil get too wet.
- Pinch back leggy stems to promote bushiness.

Lantana

Lantana is a hardy plant that produces clusters of tiny flowers that are perfect for hummingbirds. The flowers come in various shades of pink, yellow, orange, and red. Lantana is also known for its strong fragrance, which can attract other pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Tips for Growing Lantana

- Lantanas prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
- Water them regularly, but don't overwater.
- Prune them regularly to maintain their shape.

Salvia

Salvias are a popular choice for attracting hummingbirds because they produce long, tubular flowers that are rich in nectar. These plants come in many colors, including blue, purple, and red.

Tips for Growing Salvia

- Salvias prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
- Water them regularly, but don't let the soil get too wet.
- Deadhead spent flowers to promote new growth.

Other Hanging Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

Fuschia-flowered Gooseberry (Ribes speciosum)

Fuchsia-flowered gooseberry is a native Californian shrub that's perfect for hummingbirds. It produces bright red flowers that resemble fuchsia blooms. This plant is hardy and drought-tolerant, making it ideal for hot, dry climates.

Columbine (Aquilegia)

Columbines are a delicate, graceful plant that hummingbirds love. They produce tubular flowers that come in many colors, including pink, blue, and yellow. Columbines also have a unique shape that makes them stand out in any garden.

Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

Trumpet vine is a vigorous climber that produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers that are irresistible to hummingbirds. The flowers come in shades of orange, red, and yellow. Trumpet vine is a fast grower and can quickly cover an arbor or trellis.

Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata)

Black-eyed Susan vine is a compact, easy-to-grow plant that produces small, cheerful flowers that hummingbirds adore. The flowers come in shades of yellow, orange, and white.

By planting these hanging plants, you'll be able to attract more hummingbirds to your garden. Remember to choose plants that produce tubular flowers, which are ideal for the birds' long beaks. And don't forget to take care of your plants by watering them regularly and giving them the right amount of sunlight.

FAQs

1. How do I know if a plant will attract hummingbirds?

Look for plants that produce tubular flowers, which are ideal for the birds' long beaks. Also, check if the plant is rich in nectar, as this is what attracts hummingbirds.

2. Can I plant these hanging plants in the ground instead of hanging baskets?

Yes, you can plant these plants in the ground as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant gets enough sunlight.

3. How often should I water these hanging plants?

Water them regularly, but don't overwater. Check the soil moisture level before watering.

4. Are these hanging plants safe for pets?

Some of these plants may be toxic to pets if ingested. Check with your veterinarian before planting any new plants in your garden.

5. Will these plants attract other pollinators besides hummingbirds?

Yes, these plants may also attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that are important for a healthy ecosystem.