Flowers That Hummingbirds Love: A Guide to Attracting These Beautiful Birds

The Importance of Choosing the Right Flowers for Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures, and many gardeners enjoy attracting them to their yards. If you want to attract hummingbirds, one of the most important things you can do is choose the right flowers. Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors, especially reds and pinks, and they prefer flowers with a tubular shape that allow them to feed on nectar. In this article, we'll explore some of the best flowers for hummingbirds and provide tips for creating a hummingbird-friendly garden.

Attracting Hummingbirds with Annual Flowers

Annual flowers are a great way to add color to your garden and attract hummingbirds at the same time. Here are some of the best annual flowers for hummingbirds:

Petunias

Petunias are a popular choice for gardeners because they come in a variety of colors and are easy to care for. Hummingbirds love petunias because they produce a lot of nectar and have a trumpet-like shape that is perfect for their long beaks.

Zinnias

Zinnias are another great choice for attracting hummingbirds. They come in a wide range of colors and shapes, from small button-sized blooms to large daisy-like flowers. Zinnias also produce a lot of nectar, so they are sure to attract hummingbirds to your garden.

Nicotiana

Nicotiana, also known as flowering tobacco, is a fast-growing annual that produces clusters of tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. Hummingbirds are attracted to its sweet fragrance and nectar-filled blooms.

Perennial Flowers That Hummingbirds Love

If you're looking for long-lasting flowers that will attract hummingbirds year after year, consider planting these perennials:

Bee Balm

Bee balm, also known as monarda, is a hardy perennial that produces clusters of bright red, pink, or purple flowers. The tubular shape of the flowers makes them perfect for feeding hummingbirds, and the plant's aromatic foliage is a favorite of bees and butterflies.

Columbine

Columbine is a delicate-looking plant with intricate flowers in shades of red, pink, yellow, and blue. Hummingbirds are especially fond of the red and pink varieties, which have long spurs that hold a lot of nectar.

Salvia

Salvia, or sage, is a popular garden plant that comes in a variety of colors and sizes. Hummingbirds are attracted to the tubular shape of its flowers, and they love the abundant nectar produced by many varieties, including the red-flowered "Lady in Red" salvia.

Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden

To create a garden that will attract hummingbirds, it's important to provide the right environment. Here are some tips for creating a hummingbird-friendly garden:

Choose the Right Location

Hummingbirds prefer gardens that are sheltered from strong winds and receive plenty of sunlight. Choose a location that gets at least partial sun, and avoid planting your hummingbird-friendly flowers in shady areas.

Provide Water

Hummingbirds need water for drinking and bathing, so be sure to provide a source of fresh water in your garden. A shallow bird bath or fountain is ideal.

Create a Variety of Heights

Hummingbirds like to perch on branches and shrubs, so be sure to include plants of varying heights in your garden. This will give the birds places to rest and survey their surroundings.

FAQs About Flowers That Hummingbirds Like

1. How do hummingbirds find flowers?

Hummingbirds have excellent eyesight and are attracted to bright colors, especially reds and pinks. They also use their sense of smell to locate flowers that produce a lot of nectar.

2. What kind of feeders should I use to attract hummingbirds?

Hummingbird feeders should be made of glass or plastic and have red or orange parts to attract the birds. Choose a feeder with multiple feeding ports to accommodate several birds at once.

3. Can I grow flowers for hummingbirds indoors?

Yes! Many flowering plants can be grown indoors, including orchids, African violets, and hibiscus. Be sure to choose a sunny location for your plants and provide them with regular watering and fertilization.

4. Are there any flowers that are toxic to hummingbirds?

Yes, there are some flowers that can be toxic to hummingbirds if ingested in large quantities. These include foxglove, larkspur, and delphinium. Be sure to research any new plants before adding them to your garden.

5. How do I keep ants and bees away from my hummingbird feeders?

To keep ants away from your hummingbird feeders, try using an ant moat filled with water. To deter bees, choose a feeder with bee guards or add a small amount of vinegar to the nectar solution.