Attracting Hummingbirds with the Flowers They Like

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If you love nature and gardening, then attracting hummingbirds to your garden is a great way to brighten up your day. These tiny creatures are fascinating to watch with their unique flying patterns, and they can also help with pollination in your garden. But what flowers do hummingbirds like? And how can you attract them to your garden?

Why should you attract hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds are not only beautiful but also important pollinators. They are attracted to nectar-rich flowers, which means that by planting the right flowers in your garden, you can encourage these tiny birds to visit and pollinate your plants.

What flowers do hummingbirds like?

Here are some of the most popular types of flowers that hummingbirds love:

Hummingbird's Favorite Flowers

1. Trumpet Vine

The trumpet vine is a favorite among hummingbirds due to its bright orange-red flowers. It grows as a climbing vine and does well in full sun exposure. It can grow quite large, so it’s best to plant it in an open space.

2. Bee Balm

Bee balm has tubular flowers that come in shades of red, pink, purple, and white. Its flowers bloom in mid-summer, making it a great addition to any garden. Be sure to plant it in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.

3. Salvias

Salvias are a group of plants that come in different colors and sizes. The flower spikes have tubular flowers that produce nectar, which is irresistible to hummingbirds. They are easy to grow and require full sun to partial shade exposure.

4. Coral Honeysuckle

Coral honeysuckle is a native plant with trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. It requires full sun or partial shade exposure and is perfect for trellises or fences.

5. Cardinal Flower

The cardinal flower is a showstopper with its bright red color and tall spikes. It does well in full sun to partial shade exposure and prefers moist soil. It blooms in late summer to early fall and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies alike.

Now that we know what flowers hummingbirds like let's explore some more plants that can attract them.

Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

1. Lobelia

Lobelia is a great choice for attracting hummingbirds to your garden. Its tubular flowers are rich in nectar and come in shades of red, blue, and pink. It prefers full sun to partial shade exposure and well-draining soil.

2. Zinnia

Zinnias are colorful annuals that bloom in the summer to fall. They come in many different colors and are easily grown from seed. They prefer full sun exposure and a well-drained soil.

3. Hosta

Hostas are shade-loving perennials that produce long-lasting flowers in the summer. Some of their varieties produce tall flower spikes with tubular flowers that hummingbirds love.

4. Columbine

Columbine is a low-maintenance perennial that comes in many colors and variations. Its unique flowers have spurs that hold nectar, which attracts hummingbirds. It prefers partial shade to full sun exposure.

We've looked at some of the popular flowers, and plants that attract hummingbirds automatically. Let's look at more flowering plants that can help you grow your population of hummingbirds.

Flowering Plants for Hummingbirds

1. Butterfly Bush

The butterfly bush produces long spikes of flowers that come in different colors, ranging from pink, purple, white to yellow. It requires full sun exposure and well-draining soil. The fragrant flowers of the butterfly bush draw not only hummingbirds but also other pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

2. Petunia

Petunias are annuals that bloom continuously from spring to frost. They come in many colors, including red, pink, purple, and white. They require full sun exposure and well-draining soil.

3. Fuchsia

Fuchsias are colorful annuals or perennials that produce strikingly beautiful blooms. These flowers are rich in nectar and come in various colors. Fuchsias prefer partial shade to full sun exposure.

4. Sage

Sages are a group of plants that come in different colors ranging from purple, red to blue. Their tall spikes have tubular flowers that hummingbirds love. They require full sun exposure and well-draining soil.

5. Daylily

Daylilies are hardy perennials that bloom in summer with a variety of colors. Their trumpet-shaped flowers produce nectar that attracts hummingbirds. Full sun exposure is preferable, but they can also thrive in partial shade.

By incorporating these flowering plants with the right feeding techniques, you are likely to attract migrating hummingbirds! To conclude:

Attracting hummingbirds with flowers is not as difficult as it seems. By growing the right plants, you can enjoy the beauty and charm of these tiny creatures in your garden. It brings good energy to your space and also enables pollination around where these flowers grow.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about attracting hummingbirds with flowers:

• What colors do hummingbirds like? Hummingbirds prefer bright colors like pink, red, orange, and purple.
• How do I attract hummingbirds to my feeder? Keep the feeder clean with fresh nectar and place it in an open area where the birds can easily see it.
• Can hummingbirds be attracted to artificial flowers? No, hummingbirds are attracted to real flowers that contain nectar.
• What is a good plant for shady areas to attract hummingbirds? Hostas and fuchsias are good choices for shady areas.
• What is the best time of day to see hummingbirds? Early morning or late afternoon when the temperature is cooler and the wind is calmer.
• What do I do if I have a problem with bees at my hummingbird feeder? Try moving the feeder to a different area, using an ant moat, or changing the type of feeder.
• Can planting these flowers also help other pollinators besides hummingbirds? Yes, planting these flowers can attract other pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Is it necessary to use pesticides on plants that attract hummingbirds? No, it is better to avoid using pesticides as they can harm both hummingbirds and other beneficial insects.
• Where can I buy hummingbird-friendly plants? You can find them at your local garden center or nursery.
• Do I need to maintain my hummingbird feeder regularly? Yes, clean the feeder every few days with hot soapy water and refill it with fresh nectar.