Perennial Flowers for Hummingbirds: A Guide to Creating a Backyard Oasis

The Importance of Perennial Flowers for Hummingbirds

If you're looking to attract hummingbirds to your backyard, planting perennial flowers is a must. These tiny birds are attracted to bright colors and sweet nectar, which is abundant in many types of flowers.

Creating an environment that is safe and welcoming for hummingbirds can also benefit the ecosystem as a whole. Hummingbirds are important pollinators, helping to spread pollen from one flower to another.

In this guide, we'll explore some of the best perennial flowers for hummingbirds, as well as tips for creating a backyard oasis that these magnificent creatures will love.

Choosing the Right Perennial Flowers for Hummingbirds

When selecting flowers to plant in your garden, it's important to choose varieties that are known to attract hummingbirds. Here are some of the best options:

Bee Balm (Monarda)

Bee balm is a member of the mint family and produces clusters of bright red, pink, or purple flowers in mid-summer. These flowers are rich in nectar and attract both hummingbirds and butterflies.

Columbine (Aquilegia)

Columbine is a delicate-looking flower that comes in a variety of colors, including red, pink, yellow, and blue. Hummingbirds love the tubular shape of columbine flowers and are often seen hovering around them.

Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Salvia is a popular choice for hummingbird gardens due to its bright red, tubular flowers. This plant blooms from early summer through the fall and is easy to grow in most climates.

Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

Trumpet vine is a fast-growing, climbing plant that produces long, tubular flowers in shades of orange, red, or yellow. The nectar-rich blooms are a favorite of hummingbirds, as well as bees and butterflies.

Creating a Backyard Oasis for Hummingbirds

In addition to planting the right types of flowers, there are other things you can do to make your backyard more attractive to hummingbirds. Here are some tips:

Provide Shelter

Hummingbirds need a place to rest and take shelter from predators, so consider adding bushes or trees to your garden. These plants can also provide nesting sites for these tiny birds.

Offer Water

Hummingbirds love to bathe and drink from shallow pools of water, so consider adding a bird bath or fountain to your garden.

Avoid Pesticides

Pesticides can be harmful to hummingbirds and other pollinators, so try to avoid using them in your garden. Instead, opt for natural pest control methods like companion planting and handpicking pests.

Plant in Clumps

Planting flowers in clumps rather than single plants can make it easier for hummingbirds to find them. This also creates a more visually appealing garden design.

Other Perennial Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds

In addition to the flowers mentioned above, here are some other perennial options that hummingbirds love:

Lupine (Lupinus)

Lupine produces tall spikes of colorful flowers in shades of purple, pink, and blue. These flowers are especially attractive to hummingbirds when planted in large groups.

Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)

Penstemon produces bright, tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, and blue. These flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds and bloom from early summer through the fall.

Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia)

Red hot poker produces tall spikes of fiery orange and yellow flowers that are irresistible to hummingbirds. This plant blooms from mid-summer through the fall.

FAQs About Perennial Flowers for Hummingbirds

Q: How do I know if a flower is attractive to hummingbirds?

A: Look for flowers that are tubular in shape and brightly colored, especially in shades of red, orange, and pink. Hummingbirds are also attracted to flowers that produce sweet nectar.

Q: Can I attract hummingbirds with annual flowers?

A: Yes, many annual flowers are also attractive to hummingbirds. However, planting perennials provides long-term benefits and can help create a more sustainable ecosystem.

Q: What else can I do to attract hummingbirds to my garden?

A: Providing food, shelter, and water are all important factors in attracting hummingbirds. You can also hang hummingbird feeders filled with homemade nectar to supplement their diet.

Q: How often should I water my perennial flowers?

A: The frequency of watering will depend on the specific needs of each plant. Generally, most perennial flowers prefer well-draining soil and moderate watering.

Q: Can I plant perennial flowers in containers?

A: Yes, many types of perennial flowers can be grown successfully in containers. Just make sure the container has adequate drainage and the soil is kept moist.