Bushes That Attract Hummingbirds: The Ultimate Guide

Have you ever wondered how to attract hummingbirds to your garden? These tiny birds are a wonder to watch, and their presence in your yard can bring joy and excitement. One way to attract them is by planting bushes that they love. In this guide, we'll show you some of the best bushes to plant if you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden.

The Top Bushes That Attract Hummingbirds

1. Weigela

Weigela is a deciduous shrub that produces beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. These flowers are rich in nectar, making them a favorite of hummingbirds. Weigela bushes are easy to care for and can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide. They prefer full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil.

How to Care for Weigela

To care for your Weigela bush, make sure to prune it after flowering to promote new growth. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

2. Butterfly Bush

Butterfly bush, also known as Buddleia, is a popular choice for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden. This deciduous shrub produces long, pointed clusters of flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. These flowers are rich in nectar, making them irresistible to hummingbirds. Butterfly bushes can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide and prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Care for Butterfly Bush

To care for your butterfly bush, prune it in early spring before new growth appears. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

3. Trumpet Vine

Trumpet vine, also known as Campsis radicans, is a deciduous vine that produces beautiful orange-red trumpet-shaped flowers. These flowers are rich in nectar, making them a favorite of hummingbirds. Trumpet vines can grow up to 30 feet tall and prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Care for Trumpet Vine

To care for your trumpet vine, make sure to provide it with a sturdy support structure to climb on. Prune it in late winter or early spring to promote new growth. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

4. Coral Honeysuckle

Coral honeysuckle, also known as Lonicera sempervirens, is a beautiful evergreen vine that produces clusters of tubular-shaped flowers in shades of red and orange. These flowers are rich in nectar, making them a favorite of hummingbirds. Coral honeysuckle vines can grow up to 20 feet long and prefer full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil.

How to Care for Coral Honeysuckle

To care for your coral honeysuckle vine, make sure to provide it with a sturdy support structure to climb on. Prune it after flowering to promote new growth. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Additional Bushes That Attract Hummingbirds

If you're looking for more options to attract hummingbirds to your garden, here are a few other bushes that are worth considering:

5. Salvia

Salvia is a perennial herb that produces beautiful spikes of flowers in shades of blue, purple, and red. These flowers are rich in nectar, making them a favorite of hummingbirds. Salvia plants can grow up to 3 feet tall and prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Care for Salvia

To care for your salvia plant, prune it after flowering to promote new growth. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

6. Cardinal Flower

Cardinal flower, also known as Lobelia cardinalis, is a perennial plant that produces spikes of bright red flowers. These flowers are rich in nectar, making them a favorite of hummingbirds. Cardinal flower plants can grow up to 4 feet tall and prefer full sun or partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

How to Care for Cardinal Flower

To care for your cardinal flower plant, make sure to keep the soil consistently moist. Prune it after flowering to promote new growth. Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

7. Bee Balm

Bee balm, also known as Monarda, is a perennial plant that produces clusters of brightly colored flowers in shades of pink, purple, and red. These flowers are rich in nectar, making them a favorite of hummingbirds. Bee balm plants can grow up to 4 feet tall and prefer full sun or partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

How to Care for Bee Balm

To care for your bee balm plant, water regularly and make sure to keep the soil consistently moist. Prune it after flowering to promote new growth. Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Creating a Hummingbird Garden

If you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, it's important to create an environment that they will love. Here are some tips for creating a hummingbird garden:

1. Provide a Source of Water

Hummingbirds need a source of water to drink and bathe in. You can provide this by setting up a birdbath or small fountain in your garden. Make sure to keep the water clean and fresh.

2. Use Bright Colors

Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors, so use plants with brightly colored flowers in your garden. Reds, pinks, and oranges are particularly attractive to these birds.

3. Plant in Groups

Planting bushes and flowers in groups will make them more visible to hummingbirds and increase the chances that they will visit your garden.

4. Provide Shelter

Hummingbirds need a place to rest and hide from predators. You can provide this by planting bushes and trees that provide shelter, such as evergreens.

FAQs About Bushes That Attract Hummingbirds

1. How can I tell if a plant is a good choice for attracting hummingbirds?

Look for plants with tubular-shaped flowers that are brightly colored, especially in shades of red, pink, and orange. These flowers are rich in nectar, which hummingbirds love.

2. Do I need to plant all of these bushes to attract hummingbirds?

No, you don't need to plant all of these bushes to attract hummingbirds. Choose one or two that you like and that will do well in your garden.

3. What other steps can I take to attract hummingbirds to my garden?

In addition to planting bushes that attract hummingbirds, you can provide a source of water, use bright colors, plant in groups, and provide shelter.

4. How often should I water my hummingbird-attracting plants?

Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Make sure to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

5. Do I need to fertilize my hummingbird-attracting plants?

Yes, it's a good idea to fertilize your plants in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. This will promote healthy growth and abundant flowers.