Plants that Attract Hummingbirds

Plants that Attract Hummingbirds

1. Introduction

Hummingbirds are among the most fascinating creatures to grace your garden. These tiny, energetic birds are known for their vibrant colors, rapid flight patterns, and their essential role in pollination. Their presence can bring beauty, life, and ecological balance to any garden. As they hover around your plants, they help pollinate flowers, aiding in the reproduction of various species. Their humming sound, coupled with their vibrant plumage, adds an enchanting touch to the outdoor environment.

Why Attract Hummingbirds?

There are many reasons why you should consider attracting hummingbirds to your garden:

• Pollination: Hummingbirds play a critical role in pollinating a wide range of plants, particularly flowers with tubular blooms. This helps your garden thrive and produce fruits and seeds.
• Beauty: Their striking colors and acrobatic flight patterns make hummingbirds a visually captivating addition to your garden.
• Ecosystem Balance: Hummingbirds help maintain a healthy garden ecosystem by controlling insect populations and ensuring that flowers continue to bloom year after year.
• Natural Pest Control: Hummingbirds often feed on small insects and pests, helping to control unwanted bugs in your garden.

Overview of Plants for Hummingbirds

This blog will focus on plants that specifically attract hummingbirds. To make your garden a welcoming environment for these birds, you'll need to choose the right types of plants. The best plants for attracting hummingbirds typically have:

• Bright Colors: Hummingbirds are drawn to flowers that are red, orange, or pink, as these colors are easily visible to them.
• Tubular Shape: Flowers with tubular shapes allow hummingbirds to easily reach the nectar with their long bills and tongues.
• Abundant Nectar: Hummingbirds prefer plants with nectar-rich flowers that provide a consistent food source.

In the following sections, we will explore various types of plants that will help you attract and support hummingbirds in your garden. Whether you're looking for flowers, shrubs, or trees, there are plenty of options to choose from to create the perfect hummingbird-friendly environment.

 

2. Understanding Hummingbird Behavior

To effectively attract hummingbirds to your garden, it is important to understand their behavior and dietary habits. Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures with unique feeding behaviors that influence the plants they are drawn to. Let's explore their diet, preferences, and feeding habits.

Diet of Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds have a highly specialized diet, which primarily consists of:

• Nectar: The majority of their diet comes from nectar found in flowers. They are drawn to nectar-rich blooms because it provides them with the energy they need to sustain their rapid metabolism.
• Insects: In addition to nectar, hummingbirds also consume small insects such as spiders, ants, and aphids. These provide essential proteins, amino acids, and other nutrients necessary for their health and development.
• Tree Sap: Some species of hummingbirds also feed on tree sap, especially in the spring and fall, when nectar sources are scarce.

Hummingbird Preferences

Hummingbirds are attracted to specific types of plants and colors:

• Bright Colors: Hummingbirds are particularly attracted to flowers in shades of red, orange, and pink. These colors stand out and are more visible to them due to their unique vision.
• Tubular Flowers: Plants with tubular flowers, such as trumpet vines or fuchsia, are favored by hummingbirds because their long bills and tongues can easily reach the nectar inside.
• High Nectar Content: Hummingbirds prefer flowers that offer abundant nectar as they have high energy requirements due to their rapid flight.

Feeding Habits and Pollination

Hummingbirds are critical pollinators. While feeding on nectar, their faces brush against the flowers, transferring pollen from one bloom to another. This process helps fertilize the flowers, enabling them to produce seeds and fruit. Hummingbirds, in turn, benefit by consuming nectar, which fuels their high-energy activities. As they travel from flower to flower, they ensure that plants reproduce and thrive, playing a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

3. Best Flowering Plants for Hummingbirds

Flowering plants are one of the most effective ways to attract hummingbirds to your garden. These birds are naturally drawn to vibrant, nectar-rich flowers that provide the energy they need to fuel their active lifestyles. Let’s explore some of the best flowering plants to include in your garden to attract hummingbirds.

Popular Flowering Plants

Here are some popular flowering plants that are known to attract hummingbirds:

• Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans): This vigorous vine produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow. The flowers are rich in nectar, making them a favorite among hummingbirds.
• Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens): Coral honeysuckle is a native vine that bears clusters of tubular, red, or orange flowers, attracting hummingbirds in droves.
• Bee Balm (Monarda didyma): Known for its bright red or purple blooms, bee balm is a perennial herb that offers both nectar and a pleasant fragrance to attract hummingbirds.
• Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria): This striking plant features tall, spike-like clusters of tubular red or orange flowers that hummingbirds find irresistible.
• Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.): Fuchsia plants have elegant, pendulous flowers in shades of pink, red, and purple, providing a constant source of nectar for hummingbirds.

Varieties of Each Plant

Each of these flowering plants has several varieties that can further attract hummingbirds while adding diversity to your garden. Below are a few notable varieties for each plant:

Plant Type	Varieties
Trumpet Vine	Campsis radicans 'Flava' (yellow), Campsis 'Mme Galen' (orange)
Coral Honeysuckle	Lonicera sempervirens 'Major Wheeler' (red), Lonicera 'John Clayton' (yellow)
Bee Balm	Monarda 'Jacob Cline' (red), Monarda 'Balmy Pink' (pink)
Red Hot Poker	Kniphofia uvaria 'Flame' (red), Kniphofia 'Orange Vanilla' (orange)
Fuchsia	Fuchsia 'Giant Flowered' (pink), Fuchsia 'Swingtime' (red and white)

Planting Tips

To ensure the best conditions for these flowering plants to thrive and attract hummingbirds, keep the following planting tips in mind:

• Sun Exposure: Most flowering plants for hummingbirds, such as trumpet vine and coral honeysuckle, require full sun to partial shade. Ensure your plants receive at least 4–6 hours of sunlight each day to produce abundant flowers.
• Soil Type: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil is ideal for most hummingbird-friendly plants. You can improve drainage by adding organic matter like compost or mulch.
• Watering: Regular watering is essential, but make sure the soil doesn’t stay waterlogged. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
• Pruning: Prune plants like trumpet vine and bee balm regularly to promote better airflow and more vigorous flowering.

 

4. Best Shrubs for Attracting Hummingbirds

Shrubs are excellent additions to any garden aiming to attract hummingbirds. Not only do they provide abundant nectar, but they also offer much-needed shelter and protection. Shrubs with tubular flowers are particularly appealing to hummingbirds, making them an ideal choice for your garden. Let’s explore some of the best shrubs for attracting these delightful birds.

Overview of Shrubs

Shrubs offer a multi-faceted benefit to a garden looking to attract hummingbirds. They provide:

• Shelter: Shrubs offer a safe haven for hummingbirds, especially during nesting or resting times. Their dense foliage can shield the birds from predators and harsh weather.
• Food: Many flowering shrubs produce abundant nectar that hummingbirds need for energy. The tubular flowers are easy for these birds to feed from, while also acting as excellent pollinators.
• Beauty: In addition to attracting hummingbirds, these shrubs can enhance the overall aesthetic of your garden, adding color and structure throughout the year.

Best Shrubs for Hummingbirds

Here are some of the best shrubs to include in your garden for attracting hummingbirds:

• Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii): Known for its long spikes of tubular flowers, the butterfly bush produces nectar-rich blooms in shades of purple, pink, and white. It’s a favorite of hummingbirds and also attracts butterflies.
• Salvia (Salvia spp.): Salvias are perfect for attracting hummingbirds, with their vibrant tubular flowers available in red, purple, and pink. These shrubs bloom over a long period, providing hummingbirds with a steady food source.
• Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.): Azaleas produce striking, funnel-shaped flowers in a variety of colors, including pink, red, and white. These shrubs thrive in partial shade and offer rich nectar for hummingbirds.
• Red-Leafed Maple (Acer rubrum): While primarily a tree, the red-leafed maple's smaller, clustered flowers provide a rich nectar source that hummingbirds enjoy. Its striking red foliage in the fall adds an extra visual appeal to any garden.

Pruning and Care

Proper care and pruning are essential to ensure your shrubs remain healthy and continue to provide the best nectar sources for hummingbirds. Here are some tips for maintaining these shrubs:

• Pruning: Regular pruning encourages healthy growth and abundant flowers. Prune dead or damaged branches in the early spring to help stimulate new growth and improve airflow, which can prevent diseases.
• Watering: Ensure that your shrubs are well-watered, especially during dry periods. Deep watering promotes strong root development, while shallow watering can encourage weak root systems.
• Fertilization: Feed your shrubs with a balanced fertilizer in the early spring before new growth starts. Avoid excessive fertilization, as it may result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
• Sun Exposure: Most of these shrubs, such as salvia and butterfly bush, thrive in full sunlight. However, azaleas prefer partial shade, so be mindful of your garden’s light conditions when planting.

5. Best Trees to Attract Hummingbirds

Trees can play a crucial role in attracting hummingbirds to your garden. They not only provide a rich nectar source but also offer shelter and perching opportunities for these tiny, energetic birds. Trees with vibrant flowers, sap, or fruits can be especially appealing to hummingbirds. Let’s explore some of the best trees to include in your garden for hummingbirds.

Overview

Certain trees can attract hummingbirds through various means, including:

• Flowers: Trees that produce tubular or bell-shaped flowers rich in nectar are a favorite of hummingbirds.
• Sap: Some trees, like maples, offer sap that provides a sugary treat for hummingbirds.
• Fruits: While hummingbirds are typically nectar feeders, they may also consume small fruits or the insects that are attracted to tree fruits.

Top Tree Species

Here are some of the top tree species that attract hummingbirds:

• Red Maple (Acer rubrum): The red maple produces small, clustered flowers in early spring, which are rich in nectar and attract hummingbirds.
• Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida): Flowering dogwood trees offer beautiful, showy blossoms in spring that are a great food source for hummingbirds.
• Catalpa Tree (Catalpa spp.): Catalpa trees feature large, tubular flowers that hummingbirds love. These trees are also known for their large, heart-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers.
• Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica): While known for its elegant, drooping branches, the weeping willow also produces nectar-rich flowers that attract hummingbirds, particularly in the spring.
• Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia): The jacaranda tree has vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of purple or blue that hummingbirds are drawn to for nectar.

Varieties

Below are specific varieties of these trees that perform well in different regions:

Tree Species	Varieties
Red Maple	Acer rubrum 'Autumn Blaze' (tolerant to drought), Acer rubrum 'October Glory' (fast-growing)
Flowering Dogwood	Cornus florida 'Cherokee Chief' (red flowers), Cornus florida 'Cloud 9' (white flowers)
Catalpa Tree	Catalpa bignonioides (northern catalpa), Catalpa speciosa (western catalpa)
Weeping Willow	Salix babylonica 'Pendula' (classic weeping form), Salix alba 'Tristis' (golden willow)
Jacaranda	Jacaranda mimosifolia (standard variety), Jacaranda 'Blue Moon' (compact size)

Tips for Tree Planting

To ensure the best growth and attraction for hummingbirds, consider the following tips when planting these trees:

• Planting Locations: Choose locations where the tree can receive plenty of sunlight. Most of these trees thrive in full sun to partial shade, which helps maximize flowering and nectar production.
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil is ideal for most of these trees. If your soil is clay-heavy, amend it with organic matter to improve drainage.
• Watering: Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells, to encourage healthy growth. Avoid overwatering, as some trees like maples and dogwoods prefer moist, but not waterlogged, conditions.
• Space for Growth: Ensure that your trees have enough space to grow. For example, jacarandas and willows need room for their spreading branches, while flowering dogwoods should be spaced at least 10 feet apart to avoid overcrowding.

 

6. Non-Flowering Plants that Attract Hummingbirds

While flowering plants are often the primary choice for attracting hummingbirds, non-flowering plants can also play a vital role in drawing these amazing birds into your garden. Non-flowering plants provide food sources and shelter through their vibrant foliage, rich fruits, and specialized structures, making them an important component of a hummingbird-friendly environment.

Types of Non-Flowering Plants

Non-flowering plants can attract hummingbirds in various ways:

• Bright Berries: Some non-flowering plants, especially shrubs and trees, produce bright, colorful berries that attract hummingbirds. These berries often have high sugar content, making them a great food source.
• Specialized Leaves: Some plants have leaves with unique structures that can attract hummingbirds. For example, certain types of trees or shrubs with needle-like or highly textured leaves provide perching spots and shelter for the birds.
• Rich Fruits: Fruit-bearing trees and shrubs that don’t necessarily flower attract hummingbirds with their sweet, sugary fruits.

Best Non-Flowering Plants

Here are some of the best non-flowering plants that attract hummingbirds:

• Red-Leafed Varieties of Shrubs: Shrubs with red or brightly colored leaves, such as the red-twig dogwood or the red-leafed maple, attract hummingbirds not only with their colorful foliage but also with their ability to provide shelter.
• Certain Types of Trees with Rich Fruits: Trees such as mulberry, elderberry, and crabapple produce small, sugary fruits that are irresistible to hummingbirds. These trees are often preferred for their ease of growth and the food they provide throughout the year.

Importance of Native Plants

Native non-flowering plants are particularly beneficial for attracting hummingbirds. Here’s why:

• Environmental Friendliness: Native plants are well adapted to the local environment and require fewer resources, such as water and fertilizer. They are also more resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
• Hummingbird Nutrition: Native plants tend to produce the most suitable fruits and berries for local hummingbird species. These plants offer a more natural and reliable food source, supporting the local hummingbird population.
• Supporting Local Ecosystems: By planting native species, you contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem, promoting biodiversity and providing habitats for a wide range of wildlife.

7. Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden

Creating a hummingbird-friendly garden requires more than just planting the right flowers and shrubs. To ensure that hummingbirds visit and thrive in your garden, you need to design an environment that provides food, shelter, and safety. Below are some key tips to help you create an ideal space for these fascinating birds.

Garden Design Tips

Follow these garden design tips to make your garden an inviting haven for hummingbirds:

• Placement of Plants: Position your plants near feeders and in clusters to create easy access to food sources. Grouping similar plants together can also create a more vibrant, attractive landscape for hummingbirds. Ensure that there is a mix of plants with varying bloom times so that hummingbirds have a continuous supply of nectar.
• Creating Shelter with Shrubs and Trees: Include a variety of shrubs and trees in your garden to provide shelter for hummingbirds. They will need safe places to rest, hide from predators, and build nests. Evergreen shrubs and trees are especially useful as they offer year-round cover.
• Using Different Heights (Layering Plants): Layer your garden with plants of varying heights. Hummingbirds often prefer tall plants for perching and feeding, but low-growing plants can also provide easy access to nectar. Consider using trees, shrubs, and flowers of varying sizes to create a multi-layered habitat that appeals to hummingbirds.

Water Sources

Water features are an essential part of a hummingbird-friendly garden. Providing water helps attract hummingbirds and keeps them hydrated, especially in hot weather. Here’s how you can incorporate water sources into your garden:

• Bird Baths: Place a shallow bird bath in your garden. Hummingbirds prefer a small, shallow bath that allows them to drink or dip their beaks in the water. Ensure that the bath has gently sloping sides so they can easily access the water.
• Fountains: A small, moving fountain is another excellent option. The sound and movement of water can attract hummingbirds and keep them coming back. Be sure to place the fountain in a quiet area of your garden to help hummingbirds feel safe while using the water source.

Avoiding Harmful Pesticides

Maintaining a safe and healthy environment for hummingbirds involves avoiding harmful chemicals, especially pesticides. Here’s how you can keep your garden safe:

• Use Organic Practices: Avoid using chemical pesticides and opt for organic or natural alternatives. Organic gardening methods protect both the hummingbirds and other beneficial insects, like bees and butterflies, that are crucial to your garden’s ecosystem.
• Provide Natural Pest Control: Encourage the presence of natural predators, such as ladybugs and spiders, that can help keep pests under control without the need for chemicals.
• Clean Your Garden Regularly: Regularly clean your garden of any dead leaves, flowers, or debris that may harbor pests. Keeping your garden tidy will also help prevent disease and keep the environment safe for hummingbirds.

 

8. Top Tips for Ensuring Hummingbirds Visit Your Garden

Attracting and keeping hummingbirds in your garden requires careful planning and attention. By following these top tips, you can create an environment that encourages hummingbirds to visit regularly and stay throughout the season.

Best Time to Attract Hummingbirds

The best time to attract hummingbirds to your garden depends on several factors, including the time of day, season, and migration patterns:

• Time of Day: Hummingbirds are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, especially when temperatures are cooler. Make sure your plants and feeders are ready to attract them during these times.
• Season: Hummingbirds typically migrate during the spring and fall. Make sure to have plenty of nectar-rich plants in bloom during these seasons to provide them with food as they pass through or settle in your area.
• Migration Patterns: Know the migration patterns of the hummingbird species in your area. This will help you plan the best times to have plants in bloom and feeders stocked to support their journey.

Maintaining Your Garden

Maintaining your garden is key to ensuring hummingbirds have a continuous food source:

• Regular Care: Keep your plants healthy with regular care such as watering, pruning, and feeding. A well-maintained garden will provide a consistent food source for hummingbirds.
• Keep Flowers Blooming: Choose plants with varying bloom times to ensure a constant supply of nectar throughout the seasons. This will help sustain the hummingbirds as they frequent your garden.
• Replanting: Replant flowers and shrubs as needed to ensure your garden remains a reliable source of nectar for hummingbirds. Consider seasonal planting for an ongoing food supply.

Hummingbird Feeders

In addition to natural food sources, hummingbird feeders can supplement nectar availability:

• Use Feeders: Feeders provide a reliable and supplemental nectar source for hummingbirds, especially during times when plants are not blooming. Fill feeders with homemade nectar (a mixture of four parts water to one part sugar) to attract and support them.
• Keep Feeders Clean: Regularly clean feeders to prevent mold and bacteria growth, which can harm the birds. Change the nectar every few days, especially during hot weather, to ensure it stays fresh.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

While attracting hummingbirds to your garden is rewarding, there are some common mistakes that can hinder your efforts. By avoiding these missteps, you can create a more welcoming and sustainable environment for hummingbirds.

Overuse of Feeders

While hummingbird feeders are a helpful addition, overusing them can deter natural foraging behavior. Here’s why:

• Feeder Dependence: Relying too heavily on feeders may discourage hummingbirds from foraging for natural nectar sources, which are more beneficial for their long-term health.
• Reduced Pollination: By not foraging naturally, hummingbirds miss out on the opportunity to pollinate plants, which is a key ecological service they provide. This can affect the overall health of your garden.

Not Enough Variety

Planting a diverse range of plants is essential to attract hummingbirds. Here’s why variety matters:

• Year-Round Food: Different plants bloom at different times of the year. Having a mix of plants ensures that there is a continuous supply of nectar for hummingbirds, no matter the season.
• Different Preferences: Hummingbirds are attracted to different types of flowers, with preferences for certain colors and shapes. Planting a variety ensures you meet their diverse needs.

Chemical Use

Using pesticides and herbicides can be harmful to hummingbirds. Here’s why:

• Harmful Chemicals: Pesticides and herbicides can kill or harm not only pests but also beneficial insects that hummingbirds rely on for food. Additionally, chemicals can harm the hummingbirds directly, affecting their health and behavior.
• Disrupting the Ecosystem: The use of chemicals can disrupt the balance of your garden's ecosystem, making it less attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Ignoring Local Conditions

Failing to account for your climate and soil conditions can prevent plant growth, which in turn affects the hummingbirds that depend on them:

• Climate Mismatch: Plants that are not suited for your local climate may struggle to grow and bloom, leaving hummingbirds without the necessary food sources.
• Soil Conditions: Understanding your soil type is crucial. Some plants may require specific soil conditions to thrive, and neglecting this can result in poor plant growth, limiting food availability for hummingbirds.

 

10. Conclusion

In summary, attracting hummingbirds to your garden is a rewarding endeavor that benefits both your garden and the local ecosystem. By planting a variety of plants such as flowering plants, shrubs, and trees, you can provide the food and shelter these fascinating birds need. Flowers like trumpet vine and coral honeysuckle, shrubs such as butterfly bush and salvia, and trees like flowering dogwood and red maple are excellent choices for attracting hummingbirds. Don't forget to consider water features and proper care to create a welcoming environment for these delightful visitors.

Now is the perfect time to start planting and creating your very own hummingbird-friendly garden. By adding the right plants, maintaining them properly, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll be rewarded with the beauty and wonder of hummingbirds all year round.

If you're ready to start, visit our store to find a wide selection of plants that attract hummingbirds. Whether you're looking for vibrant flowers, shrubs, or trees, we have everything you need to create a garden that will delight you and the hummingbirds!

11. FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about attracting hummingbirds to your garden:

1. What are the best colors for plants to attract hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds are particularly attracted to bright, vibrant colors, especially red, orange, and pink. These colors stand out to them and are often linked to high nectar-producing flowers. By planting flowers in these colors, you increase your chances of attracting these beautiful birds.

2. How do I know if a plant is attracting hummingbirds?

You'll know a plant is attracting hummingbirds when you start seeing them visit frequently, hovering in front of the flowers and feeding on the nectar. Hummingbirds are also territorial, so if you see them guarding certain plants, that’s a good sign that they’ve found a food source they like.

3. Can I plant hummingbird-friendly plants in containers?

Yes, many hummingbird-friendly plants can be grown in containers, especially if you have limited space. Container gardening allows you to move the plants to sunny spots and rearrange them to create a visually appealing, hummingbird-friendly environment.

4. How often should I refill my hummingbird feeders?

It’s important to refill your hummingbird feeders every 2-3 days, especially during hot weather, to prevent the nectar from spoiling. In cooler weather, you may need to refill less frequently. Always clean the feeders thoroughly to prevent mold and bacteria buildup.

5. Are there any specific plants that hummingbirds prefer in the winter?

In colder climates, hummingbirds may migrate, but in areas with mild winters, you can plant winter-blooming flowers like fuchsia, red hot poker, and certain varieties of salvia to provide nectar during the winter months.

6. How do I prevent other birds from using my hummingbird feeders?

To deter larger birds from using your hummingbird feeders, use feeders designed for hummingbirds with small feeding ports that only allow them to feed. You can also try placing feeders in locations that are harder for larger birds to reach, like hanging them from trees or poles.

7. Can I plant these species in different climates or regions?

Yes, many hummingbird-friendly plants can be grown in various climates, but some may be more suited to specific regions. Always consider your local climate zone and soil conditions when choosing plants. Native plants are often the best choice, as they are adapted to the local environment and will thrive with minimal care.

 

Additional Resources

Best Plants for Dry Climates

Best Practices for Seed Saving

How to Grow a Raised Garden Bed