Best Annuals for Hummingbirds

Why Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden?

Are you looking to attract hummingbirds to your garden? These tiny birds are fascinating creatures that can add a lot of life and color to your outdoor space. Not only are they beautiful to watch, but they also play an important role in pollinating plants.

If you're looking to attract more hummingbirds to your garden, one of the best things you can do is plant flowers that they love to feed on. In this blog post, we'll share some of the best annuals for hummingbirds that you can add to your garden.

Top 15 Best Annuals for Hummingbirds

1. Salvia

Salvia is a favorite of hummingbirds because of its tubular flowers. There are many different types of salvia, including the popular 'Black and Blue' variety. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

2. Zinnia

Zinnias come in a wide range of colors and are easy to grow from seed. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Hummingbirds love zinnias because of their bright colors and nectar-rich flowers.

3. Fuchsia

Fuchsia is a popular hanging basket plant that produces beautiful, pendulous flowers in shades of pink, purple, and red. Hummingbirds love fuchsia because of its long, tubular flowers that are rich in nectar.

4. Petunia

Petunias are a popular annual that comes in many different colors. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Hummingbirds are attracted to petunias because of their bright, trumpet-shaped flowers.

5. Lobelia

Lobelia is a great annual for attracting hummingbirds because of its tubular flowers. It comes in many different colors, including blue, white, and pink. Lobelia prefers full sun to partial shade and moist soil.

6. Impatiens

Impatiens are a popular shade-loving annual that comes in many different colors. Hummingbirds love impatiens because of their long, tubular flowers that are rich in nectar.

7. Begonia

Begonias come in many different varieties, including the popular 'Dragon Wing' begonia. They prefer partial shade and moist soil. Hummingbirds are attracted to begonias because of their bright, pendulous flowers.

8. Nicotiana

Nicotiana is a tall annual that produces fragrant, tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Hummingbirds love nicotiana because of its sweet fragrance.

9. Cleome

Cleome is a tall annual that produces spiky flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Hummingbirds are attracted to cleome because of its nectar-rich flowers.

10. Lantana

Lantana is a popular annual that comes in many different colors. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Hummingbirds love lantana because of its bright, nectar-rich flowers.

11. Cosmos

Cosmos is a tall annual that comes in many different colors. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Hummingbirds are attracted to cosmos because of its nectar-rich flowers.

12. Nasturtium

Nasturtium is a popular annual that comes in many different colors. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Hummingbirds love nasturtium because of its bright, nectar-rich flowers.

13. Sunflower

Sunflowers are a popular annual that come in many different sizes and colors. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Hummingbirds are attracted to sunflowers because of their large, nectar-rich flowers.

14. Marigold

Marigolds are a popular annual that come in many different colors. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Hummingbirds love marigolds because of their bright, nectar-rich flowers.

15. Snapdragons

Snapdragons come in many different colors and prefer full sun to partial shade. Hummingbirds love snapdragons because of their tubular flowers that are rich in nectar.

How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden

If you want to attract more hummingbirds to your garden, there are a few things you can do:

1. Plant flowers that hummingbirds love

As we discussed earlier, planting flowers that hummingbirds love is one of the best ways to attract them to your garden.

2. Provide fresh water

Hummingbirds need fresh water for drinking and bathing. You can provide a shallow dish of water or a small fountain.

3. Hang feeders

You can also hang hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water. Just be sure to clean them regularly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

FAQs

1. What time of year do hummingbirds migrate?

Hummingbirds typically migrate in the fall and spring.

2. How often should I refill my hummingbird feeder?

You should refill your hummingbird feeder every 2-3 days, or more frequently in hot weather.

3. Can I use honey instead of sugar water in my hummingbird feeder?

No, you should never use honey in your hummingbird feeder. Honey can promote the growth of harmful bacteria.

4. What colors are most attractive to hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors, particularly red, orange, and pink.

5. How can I keep ants out of my hummingbird feeder?

One way to keep ants out of your hummingbird feeder is to place a moat filled with water around the hanger. Ants can't swim, so they won't be able to reach the feeder.