If you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, planting the right flowers and plants can make a significant difference. Hummingbirds are attracted to bright, colourful flowers with tubular shapes that can hold nectar. In this article, we’ll explore the best plants for attracting hummingbirds to your garden and provide tips for creating a hummingbird-friendly environment.
Understanding Hummingbirds
Before we dive into the best plants for attracting hummingbirds, let’s take a moment to understand these fascinating birds. Hummingbirds are small, colourful birds that are known for their unique ability to hover in place. They are also the only birds that can fly backwards. Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colours, particularly red, and they have a long, thin beak that they use to extract nectar from flowers.
The Best Plants for Attracting Hummingbirds
Here are some of the best plants for attracting hummingbirds to your garden:
1. Bee Balm
Bee balm, also known as Monarda, is a favourite among hummingbirds. The bright, tubular flowers of this plant are perfect for holding nectar, and they come in shades of red, pink, and purple.
2. Cardinal Flower
The CardinaFlowerer is a native North American plant that produces tall spikes of bright red flowers. These flowers are perfect for attracting hummingbirds, and they bloom from mid-summer to early fall.
3. Salvia
Salvia, also known as sage, is a popular plant for attracting hummingbirds. The brightly coloured flowers of this plant come in shades of red, pink, and purple, and they are perfect for holding nectar.
4. Trumpet Vine
Trumpet vine, also known as Campsis radicans, is a fast-growing vine that produces large clusters of bright orange-red flowers. These flowers are perfect for attracting hummingbirds, and the plant blooms from mid-summer to early fall.
5. Coral Honeysuckle
Coral honeysuckle is a native North American plant that produces clusters of bright red or orange-red flowers. These flowers are perfect for attracting hummingbirds, and the plant blooms from late spring to early summer.
6. Fuchsia
Fuchsia is a colourful, tropical plant that produces bright pink, purple, and red flowers. These flowers are perfect for attracting hummingbirds, and they bloom from late spring to early fall.
7. Lupine
Lupine is a tall, spiky plant that produces bright purple, pink, and blue flowers. These flowers are perfect for attracting hummingbirds, and they bloom from mid-summer to early fall.
8. Penstemon
Penstemon is a native North American plant that produces tall spikes of bright red, pink, or purple flowers. These flowers are perfect for attracting hummingbirds, and they bloom from late spring to early summer.
Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Environment
In addition to planting the right flowers and plants, there are several things you can do to create a hummingbird-friendly environment in your garden:
1. Provide Water
Hummingbirds need water for drinking and bathing, so it’s important to provide a source of fresh water in your garden. A shallow birdbath or fountain is perfect for this purpose.
2. Provide Shelter
Hummingbirds need a place to rest and take cover from predators. Planting trees and shrubs or hanging a birdhouse in your garden can provide the shelter they need.
3. Avoid Pesticides
Pesticides can be harmful to hummingbirds, so it’s important to avoid using them in your garden. Instead, opt for natural pest control methods, such as introducing ladybugs or using neem oil.
4. Provide Food
In addition to nectar from flowers, hummingbirds also need protein from insects to survive. Providing a source of insects, such as a hummingbird feeder filled with sugar water or a dish of overripe fruit, can help attract these beautiful birds to your garden.
5. Maintain Your Garden
Regular maintenance of your garden can help keep it attractive to hummingbirds. Deadhead spent blooms, prune dead branches, and keep your garden free of weeds and debris.
Conclusion
Attracting hummingbirds to your garden can be a fun and rewarding experience. By planting the right flowers and plants, providing a source of water and shelter, avoiding pesticides, providing food, and maintaining your garden, you can create a hummingbird-friendly environment that will bring these beautiful birds to your doorstep. Start planning your hummingbird garden today!