Attracting Hummingbirds: The Best Flowers to Plant

Hummingbirds are one of the most fascinating birds to watch. They are known for their bright colors and their ability to hover in mid-air. If you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, planting flowers that they love is an excellent way to do so. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best flowers to plant to attract hummingbirds.

Flowers that Attract Hummingbirds

Bee Balm (Monarda)

Bee Balm, also known as Monarda, is a popular flower among hummingbirds. Its bright red, pink, purple, or white flowers are rich in nectar, making them an excellent food source for hummingbirds. Bee Balm is also easy to grow and can thrive in both sun and partial shade.

How to Grow Bee Balm?

Bee Balm thrives in moist soil and should be watered regularly during dry spells. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. You can sow bee balm seeds directly in the ground or them indoors before transplanting them outside.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus is another flower that hummingbirds love. This tropical plant produces large, showy flowers that come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, yellow, and orange. Hibiscus plants require plenty of water and sunlight to thrive.

How to Grow Hibiscus?

Hibiscus plants need well-draining soil and lots of sunlight. They prefer warm temperatures and can be grown in containers or in the ground. Hibiscus plants need to be watered regularly, especially during dry spells.

Columbine

Columbine is a delicate flower that hummingbirds find irresistible. It produces small, bell-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, blue, and white. Columbine is easy to grow and can thrive in both sun and partial shade.

How to Grow Columbine?

Columbine grows best in well-draining soil and needs to be watered regularly. It prefers partial shade but can also tolerate full sun. You can plant columbine seeds directly in the ground or them indoors before transplanting them outside.

Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

Trumpet vine is a hardy plant that produces trumpet-shaped flowers that are perfect for hummingbirds. Its bright orange or red flowers are rich in nectar, making them an excellent food source for hummingbirds. Trumpet vine is easy to grow and can thrive in both sun and partial shade.

How to Grow Trumpet Vine?

Trumpet vine prefers well-draining soil and lots of sunlight. It can grow up to 30 feet tall, so it's best to plant it in a spot where it has plenty of room to grow. Trumpet vine needs to be watered regularly, especially during hot summer months.

Fuchsia

Fuchsia is a beautiful flowering plant that hummingbirds love. Its strikingly beautiful flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, purple, and white. Fuchsia requires plenty of water and sunlight to thrive.

How to Grow Fuchsia?

Fuchsia plants prefer moist, well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. They can be grown in containers or in the ground. Fuchsia plants need to be watered regularly, especially during hot summer months.

List of Other Flowers that Attract Hummingbirds

• Salvia
• Lupine
• Penstemon
• Cardinal Flower (Lobelia)
• Hosta
• Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
• Petunia
• Zinnia
• Phlox
• Cleome
• Daylily
• Coreopsis
• Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica)
• Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia)

Hummingbirds are fascinating birds that can bring life and color to your garden. By planting flowers that they love, you can attract these beautiful birds to your yard and enjoy their presence all season long. Remember to choose flowers that are rich in nectar, easy to grow, and require plenty of sunlight and water.

FAQs About Flowers for Hummingbirds

1. How do I attract hummingbirds to my garden?

To attract hummingbirds to your garden, you should plant flowers that are rich in nectar and brightly colored. You can also provide them with a source of water, such as a bird bath or fountain.

2. What colors attract hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors, especially red, pink, purple, and orange. Flowers with these colors are more likely to attract hummingbirds than those with muted or pastel colors.

3. How often should I water my hummingbird flowers?

Hummingbird flowers should be watered regularly, especially during hot summer months. They prefer moist soil but can't tolerate standing water, so make sure to water them only when the soil is dry.

4. Can I attract hummingbirds with a feeder?

Yes, you can attract hummingbirds with a feeder that contains sugar water. However, it's important to keep the feeder clean and refill it regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

5. How do I know if hummingbirds are visiting my garden?

You can tell if hummingbirds are visiting your garden by watching for their distinctive flight pattern. Hummingbirds hover in mid-air and move up and down quickly, unlike other birds that glide through the air.