Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds: A Guide to Creating a Hummingbird Garden

Hummingbirds are truly one of the most fascinating birds in the world. With their bright colors and unique flying abilities, they capture the attention of anyone who sees them. One way to attract these amazing creatures to your garden is by planting flowers that they love. In this guide, we will discuss the top flowers that attract hummingbirds, as well as how to create a hummingbird-friendly garden.

Why Attract Hummingbirds?

Before diving into specific flowers, it's important to understand why attracting hummingbirds can be beneficial. Not only are they beautiful to watch, but they also play an important role in pollination. By feeding on nectar from flowers, hummingbirds transfer pollen from one plant to another, helping to ensure the future growth and reproduction of many species.

Top Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds

1. Salvia

Salvia, also known as sage, is a popular flower among hummingbirds. They are easy to grow, come in a variety of colors, and bloom throughout the summer. Additionally, salvia produces a lot of nectar, making it a favorite among these birds.

How to Plant Salvia

Salvia plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They can be planted in the spring or fall, and should be watered regularly until established. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage more growth and blooming throughout the season.

2. Bee Balm

Bee balm, also known as Monarda, is another popular flower for attracting hummingbirds. They come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, purple, and white, and bloom from mid-summer to early fall.

How to Plant Bee Balm

Bee balm plants prefer partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly until established, and deadheading can encourage more growth and blooming.

3. Cardinal Flower

Cardinal flowers are known for their bright red color, which is especially attractive to hummingbirds. They bloom in late summer and can grow quite tall, making them a great addition to the back of a garden bed.

How to Plant Cardinal Flower

Cardinal flowers prefer full sun to partial shade and moist soil. They can be planted in the spring or fall and will require regular watering until established.

4. Trumpet Vine

Trumpet vine, also known as Campsis radicans, is a fast-growing vine that produces bright orange-red flowers. These flowers are perfect for hummingbirds, as they contain a lot of nectar and are shaped to fit the bird's long beak.

How to Plant Trumpet Vine

Trumpet vine prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It can be planted in the spring or fall, but beware that it can be invasive if not controlled.

5. Coral Bells

Coral bells, also known as Heuchera, are a perennial plant with brightly colored leaves and delicate flowers. While the flowers themselves may not produce much nectar, the plant as a whole is attractive to hummingbirds.

How to Plant Coral Bells

Coral bells prefer partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly until established, and deadheading can encourage more growth and blooming.

6. Columbine

Columbine flowers have a unique shape and come in a variety of colors, making them a popular choice among gardeners. They bloom in the spring and are attractive to hummingbirds due to their tubular shape.

How to Plant Columbine

Columbine prefers partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil. It can be planted in the fall or spring and will require regular watering until established.

7. Penstemon

Penstemon, also known as beardtongue, is a tall, spiky plant with brightly colored flowers that attract hummingbirds. They bloom from early summer to late fall and come in a variety of colors.

How to Plant Penstemon

Penstemon prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be planted in the spring or fall and will require regular watering until established.

8. Butterfly Bush

While butterfly bush is named for its ability to attract butterflies, it is also a popular choice among hummingbirds. The long, cone-shaped flowers produce a lot of nectar and come in a variety of colors.

How to Plant Butterfly Bush

Butterfly bush prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be planted in the spring or fall and will require regular watering until established. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage more growth and blooming.

9. Lantana

Lantana is a low-maintenance plant that produces small, brightly colored flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds. They bloom from early summer to late fall and come in a variety of colors.

How to Plant Lantana

Lantana prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be planted in the spring or fall and will require regular watering until established.

10. Fuchsia

Fuchsia is a popular hanging plant with brightly colored, tubular flowers that are perfect for hummingbirds. They bloom from late spring to early fall and come in a variety of colors.

How to Plant Fuchsia

Fuchsia prefers partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly until established, and deadheading can encourage more growth and blooming.

Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden

1. Provide Shelter

Hummingbirds need shelter to rest and protect themselves from predators. You can provide this by planting trees and shrubs that offer cover, such as evergreens or dense bushes.

2. Offer Water

In addition to nectar, hummingbirds also need water to drink and bathe in. You can provide this by setting up a shallow bird bath or fountain. Make sure to keep the water clean and fresh.

3. Choose a Variety of Flowers

To attract the most hummingbirds, it's important to offer a variety of flowers that bloom at different times throughout the season. This will ensure a steady supply of nectar for the birds.

4. Avoid Pesticides

Pesticides can be harmful to hummingbirds and other beneficial insects. Instead, try using natural methods to control pests, such as companion planting or introducing predatory insects.

5. Keep Feeders Clean

If you choose to hang a feeder, make sure to keep it clean and filled with fresh nectar. Dirty feeders can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria.

FAQs

1. How often should I water my hummingbird-friendly garden?

It's important to water your garden regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

2. Do I need to use special soil for my hummingbird-friendly plants?

While some plants may prefer certain types of soil, such as well-drained or acidic, most hummingbird-friendly plants can grow in a variety of soils.

3. How do I keep ants away from my hummingbird feeder?

To keep ants away from your feeder, try using an ant moat or applying petroleum jelly around the hanger. You can also try moving the feeder to a different location.

4. Can I plant non-native flowers in my hummingbird garden?

While it's best to choose native plants whenever possible, many non-native flowers can also attract hummingbirds. Just make sure to research the plant's requirements and potential invasiveness before planting.

5. How can I attract hummingbirds to my garden if I live in a city?

Even if you live in a city, you can still attract hummingbirds by planting flowers in containers or hanging baskets on a balcony or patio. You can also set up a small bird bath or fountain.