Attracting Hummingbirds: The Power of Red Flowers

The Importance of Choosing the Right Flowers

Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating creatures on earth. These tiny birds are known for their ability to hover mid-air while they feed on nectar from flowers. If you're looking to attract these charming little birds to your garden, one of the best ways is by planting red flowers.

But with so many different types of flowers out there, how do you know which ones will work best? In this blog post, we'll explore the power of red flowers when it comes to attracting hummingbirds. We'll also take a look at some of the best types of flowers to choose for your garden.

Why Do Hummingbirds Love Red Flowers?

One of the main reasons why hummingbirds are attracted to red flowers is because they associate the color with nectar-rich blooms. Red flowers typically contain more nectar than other colors, making them an ideal food source for these high-energy birds.

In addition to being attracted to the color red, hummingbirds are also drawn to tubular-shaped flowers. These flowers are perfect for hummingbirds because they allow the birds to insert their long, narrow beaks deep into the flower to reach the nectar.

The Best Red Flowers for Attracting Hummingbirds

Now that we know why hummingbirds love red flowers, let's take a look at some of the best types of red flowers for attracting these birds to your garden.

1. Bee Balm (Monarda)

Bee balm, also known as monarda, is a classic choice for attracting hummingbirds. This perennial plant produces clusters of bright red flowers that are shaped like tubes.

How to Grow Bee Balm

Bee balm grows best in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It's a hardy plant that can tolerate some drought, but it will produce more flowers if you keep the soil consistently moist.

2. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

The cardinal flower is another popular choice for attracting hummingbirds. This stunning plant produces bright red blooms that are shaped like trumpets.

How to Grow Cardinal Flower

Cardinal flower prefers wet soil and partial shade, making it an ideal choice for areas near ponds or other bodies of water. It can also be grown in containers with a potting mix that retains moisture.

3. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Salvia is a large genus of plants that includes many different species. Most types of salvia produce tubular-shaped flowers that are perfect for hummingbirds. Some of the best types of salvia for attracting hummingbirds include:

• Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea)
• Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii)
• Black and Blue Sage (Salvia guaranitica)

How to Grow Salvia

Salvia grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It's a relatively low-maintenance plant that doesn't require much water once established.

4. Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans)

Trumpet creeper is a fast-growing vine that produces clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. While it can be invasive in some areas, it's a great choice for attracting hummingbirds.

How to Grow Trumpet Creeper

Trumpet creeper prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's a hardy plant that can tolerate some drought, but it will produce more flowers if you keep the soil consistently moist.

5. Scarlet Runner Bean (Phaseolus coccineus)

Scarlet runner bean is an annual plant that produces stunning red blooms and edible beans. It's a great choice for attracting both hummingbirds and pollinators like bees and butterflies.

How to Grow Scarlet Runner Bean

Scarlet runner bean prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's a fast-growing plant that requires plenty of water, so be sure to keep the soil consistently moist.

Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Garden

Now that you know which types of red flowers to plant, here are some additional tips for attracting hummingbirds to your garden:

• Provide a source of water, such as a bird bath or fountain.
• Hang hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water.
• Avoid using pesticides and herbicides in your garden.
• Plant a variety of flowers that bloom at different times throughout the year.
• Provide perches for hummingbirds to rest on between feeding sessions.

Red flowers are a powerful tool when it comes to attracting hummingbirds to your garden. By choosing the right types of flowers and following these tips, you can create a beautiful and inviting space that's sure to delight both you and your feathered friends.

FAQs

1. How do I make hummingbird food?

To make hummingbird food, mix 1 part white granulated sugar with 4 parts water. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves, then fill your hummingbird feeder with the solution.

2. When is the best time to plant red flowers for hummingbirds?

The best time to plant red flowers for hummingbirds is in the spring or fall, when the weather is cooler and there's more moisture in the soil.

3. How often should I change the nectar in my hummingbird feeder?

Hummingbird nectar should be changed every 2-3 days, or more frequently in hot weather. Be sure to clean the feeder thoroughly before refilling it with fresh nectar.

4. What other types of plants attract hummingbirds?

In addition to red flowers, hummingbirds are also attracted to tubular-shaped flowers in shades of pink, orange, and purple. Some examples include fuchsia, petunias, and bee balm.

5. Can I use honey instead of sugar to make hummingbird food?

No, you should never use honey to make hummingbird food. Honey can promote the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi, which can be deadly to hummingbirds. Stick with white granulated sugar to ensure your hummingbirds stay healthy and happy.