Plants Hummingbirds Like: A Comprehensive Guide

The Importance of Choosing the Right Plants for Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures that are beloved by many birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. They are known for their incredible speed, agility, and vibrant colors. But did you know that hummingbirds also play an important role in pollination? In fact, they are one of the most effective pollinators in the world!

If you want to attract these beautiful birds to your garden, one of the best ways is to plant the right kinds of flowers, shrubs, and trees that hummingbirds love. Not only will this provide them with much-needed food, but it will also enhance the beauty of your outdoor space. So, what are some of the best plants for hummingbirds? Let's find out!

Top 15 Plants Hummingbirds Like

Here are some of the most popular plants that hummingbirds are attracted to:

1. Bee Balm (Monarda)

Bee balm is a perennial plant that produces showy, tubular-shaped flowers that come in shades of pink, red, purple, and white. These flowers are rich in nectar, making them a favorite of hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Bee balm grows best in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil.

2. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

The cardinal flower is a striking plant that produces tall spikes of bright red flowers from mid-summer to early fall. This plant prefers wet soil and partial shade, making it an ideal choice for a water garden or bog garden.

3. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

The trumpet vine is a vigorous, fast-growing vine that produces clusters of bright orange-red trumpet-shaped flowers in summer. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but can tolerate a wide range of soil types.

4. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Salvia is a popular perennial herb that produces spikes of showy flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. Hummingbirds are attracted to the high nectar content of these flowers, which bloom from late spring to early fall. Salvia prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

5. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)

Coral bells are a group of perennial plants that are prized for their colorful foliage and delicate bell-shaped flowers. These flowers come in shades of pink, red, and white and bloom from mid-spring to early summer. Coral bells prefer partial shade and well-drained soil.

6. Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)

Fuchsia is a popular flowering plant that produces drooping, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and purple. These flowers are rich in nectar and attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Fuchsia prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.

7. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)

Butterfly bush is a deciduous shrub that produces long, slender spikes of fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white. This plant is named for its ability to attract butterflies, but it also attracts hummingbirds with its sweet nectar. Butterfly bush prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

8. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)

Penstemon is a group of perennial plants that produce tall spikes of tubular-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, blue, and red. These flowers are rich in nectar and attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Penstemon prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

9. Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria)

The red hot poker is a striking plant that produces tall spikes of flame-colored flowers from mid-summer to early fall. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

10. Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)

Columbine is a popular perennial plant that produces delicate, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, and white. These flowers are rich in nectar and attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Columbine prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.

11. Lantana (Lantana camara)

Lantana is a tropical shrub that produces clusters of small, brightly colored flowers in shades of pink, orange, yellow, and red. These flowers are rich in nectar and attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Lantana prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

12. Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)

Honeysuckle is a group of deciduous or evergreen shrubs that produce fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, yellow, and white. These flowers are rich in nectar and attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Honeysuckle prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

13. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage is a popular herb that produces spikes of blue or purple flowers in late spring to early summer. These flowers are rich in nectar and attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Sage prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

14. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)

Milkweed is a group of perennial plants that produce clusters of small, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, orange, yellow, and white. These flowers are rich in nectar and attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators. Milkweed also serves as a host plant for monarch butterflies. Milkweed prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

15. Yucca (Yucca spp.)

Yucca is a group of evergreen shrubs that produce tall spikes of creamy-white flowers in late spring to early summer. These flowers are rich in nectar and attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Yucca prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden

Now that you know some of the best plants for attracting hummingbirds, it's time to create a hummingbird-friendly garden! Here are some tips to get you ed:

1. Provide Food and Water

Hummingbirds need a constant source of food and water to survive. Plant a variety of flowers, shrubs, and trees that produce nectar-rich flowers throughout the growing season. You can also hang hummingbird feeders filled with a solution of four parts water to one part sugar.

2. Offer Shelter and Nesting Sites

Hummingbirds need shelter from predators and extreme weather conditions. Plant dense shrubs and trees that provide cover and nesting sites. Avoid using pesticides and herbicides that can harm these delicate birds.

3. Create a Colorful, Inviting Space

Hummingbirds are attracted to bright, bold colors like red, orange, and pink. Plant a variety of flowers in these hues to create an inviting space for hummingbirds to feed and rest.

4. Maintain Your Garden

Regularly prune and deadhead your plants to keep them looking their best. Remove any diseased or damaged plants to prevent the spread of disease. Keep your garden clean and free of debris.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I attract hummingbirds to my garden?

To attract hummingbirds to your garden, plant a variety of flowers, shrubs, and trees that produce nectar-rich flowers throughout the growing season. You can also hang hummingbird feeders filled with a solution of four parts water to one part sugar.

2. What kind of flowers do hummingbirds like?

Hummingbirds are attracted to flowers that are tubular-shaped, brightly colored, and rich in nectar. Some popular choices include bee balm, salvia, fuchsia, and cardinal flower.

3. What should I avoid planting if I want to attract hummingbirds?

Avoid planting plants that are heavily scented or have double blooms, as these are less attractive to hummingbirds. Also, avoid using pesticides and herbicides that can harm these delicate birds.

4. When is the best time to plant for hummingbirds?

The best time to plant for hummingbirds is in the spring, when temperatures are mild and the growing season is just beginning. However, you can continue to plant throughout the summer and fall to provide a constant source of food.

5. How do I maintain my hummingbird-friendly garden?

To maintain your hummingbird-friendly garden, regularly prune and deadhead your plants to keep them looking their best. Remove any diseased or damaged plants to prevent the spread of disease. Keep your garden clean and free of debris.