10 Best Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
If you want to bring the beauty of hummingbirds into your garden, you're in luck! There are plenty of flowering plants that attract these tiny birds with their bright colors and irresistible nectar. In this article, we'll take a look at the top 10 best plants for hummingbirds, along with tips on how to care for them.
Why are hummingbirds attracted to certain plants?
Hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored flowers with long, tubular shapes. These flowers are typically rich in nectar, which provides the high energy fuel that hummingbirds need to survive. When they find a flower they like, hummingbirds will stick their beaks deep into the flower's throat, lapping up its sweet nectar with their long tongues.
How to choose plants that attract hummingbirds?
When selecting plants for your hummingbird garden, it's important to look for flowers that are brightly-colored, highly-fragrant, and have long, tubular shapes. Some of the most popular hummingbird plants include trumpet vine, bee balm, salvia, fuchsia, and more. But there are many other options to choose from as well!
Let's take a closer look at the top 10 best plants for attracting hummingbirds:
1. Trumpet Vine
Description & Care
Trumpet vines are fast-growing, deciduous climbers that can reach heights of up to 40 feet. They produce clusters of vivid orange-red or yellow-orange flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. Trumpet vines prefer full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist.
Why it attracts hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds are attracted to trumpet vines because their flowers are rich in nectar, and have a long, tubular shape that is perfectly suited to the birds' feeding style.
Where to plant and how to grow
Trumpet vines are best planted in full sun to partial shade. They prefer well-drained soil that is kept moist, but not waterlogged. To get the most out of your trumpet vine, prune it back severely in early spring or late winter, and provide sturdy support for it to climb on.
Other benefits of the trumpet vine plant?
In addition to being a favorite of hummingbirds, trumpet vines are also attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. They can also provide cover for small animals and birds, and make an excellent privacy screen when grown on a trellis or fence.
2. Bee Balm
Description & Care
Bee balm, also known as Monarda, is a perennial herb that produces clusters of vibrant pink, purple, or red flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall. Bee balm prefers full sun to partial shade, and well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist.
Why it attracts hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds are attracted to bee balm because its flowers produce large amounts of nectar, and have a shape that is perfectly suited to the birds' feeding style.
Where to plant and how to grow
Bee balm is best planted in full sun to partial shade, and well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist. It is drought-tolerant once established, but will benefit from regular watering during dry spells. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continued blooming throughout the season.
Other benefits of the bee balm plant?
In addition to attracting hummingbirds, bee balm is also attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It is also valued for its fragrant leaves, which can be used to make tea or potpourri.
3. Salvia
Description & Care
Salvia, also known as sage, is a group of plants that includes both annuals and perennials. They produce spikes of blue, pink, purple, or red flowers that bloom from late spring to fall. Salvias prefer full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soil that is kept slightly moist.
Why it attracts hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds are attracted to salvias because their flowers produce large amounts of nectar, and have a long, tubular shape that is perfectly suited to the birds' feeding style.
Where to plant and how to grow
Salvias are best planted in full sun to partial shade, and well-draining soil that is kept slightly moist. They are drought-tolerant once established, but will benefit from regular watering during dry spells. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continued blooming throughout the season.
Other benefits of the salvia plant?
In addition to attracting hummingbirds, salvia is also attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. It is also valued for its medicinal properties, and is commonly used to treat digestive disorders and other ailments.
4. Fuchsia
Description & Care
Fuchsia is a genus of mostly tropical shrubs that produce pendulous flowers in shades of pink, red, and purple. Fuchsias prefer filtered shade or morning sun, and grow best in rich, well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist.
Why it attracts hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds are attracted to fuchsias because their flowers produce large amounts of nectar, and have a long, tubular shape that is perfectly suited to the birds' feeding style.
Where to plant and how to grow
Fuchsias are best planted in filtered shade or morning sun, and rich, well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist. They benefit from frequent fertilization and deadheading to promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season.
Other benefits of the fuchsia plant?
In addition to attracting hummingbirds, fuchsia is also attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. It is also valued for its hardiness and resistance to pests and diseases.
5. Cardinal Flower
Description & Care
Cardinal flower is a native wildflower that produces tall spikes of bright red flowers in mid to late summer. It prefers full sun to partial shade, and moist, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter.
Why it attracts hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds are attracted to cardinal flower because of its bright red color and high nectar production.
Where to plant and how to grow
Cardinal flower is best planted in full sun to partial shade, and moist, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. It can be slow to establish, but once it takes root, it will continue to thrive year after year.
Other benefits of the cardinal flower plant?
In addition to attracting hummingbirds, cardinal flower is also attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. It is also surprisingly deer-resistant, making it a good choice for gardens with browsing wildlife.
6. Coral Bells
Description & Care
Coral bells, also known as Heuchera, are a group of perennials that produce spikes of delicate flowers in shades of pink, white, or red. They prefer dappled shade to full sun, and well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist.
Why it attracts hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds are attracted to coral bells because their flowers produce large amounts of nectar, and have a long, tubular shape that is perfectly suited to the birds' feeding style.
Where to plant and how to grow
Coral bells are best planted in dappled shade to full sun, and well-draining soil that is kept constantly moist. They can be prone to crown rot if kept too wet, so be sure to plant them in well-draining soil.
Other benefits of the coral bells plant?
In addition to attracting hummingbirds, coral bells is also attractive to butterflies and other beneficial insects. Its colorful foliage also adds interest to the garden when it is not in bloom.
7. Lupine
Description & Care
Lupine is a group of perennials that produce spikes of pea-like flowers in shades of blue, pink, or purple. They prefer full sun to partial shade, and well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist.
Why it attracts hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds are attracted to lupines because their flowers produce large amounts of nectar, and have a shape that is perfectly suited to the birds' feeding style.
Where to plant and how to grow
Lupines are best planted in full sun to partial shade, and well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist. They can be short-lived in some climates, so consider replanting every few years.
Other benefits of the lupine plant?
In addition to attracting hummingbirds, lupines is also attractive to bees and other pollinators. They are also valued for their nitrogen-fixing properties, which can benefit other plants in the same area.
8. Columbine
Description & Care
Columbine is a group of perennials that produce showy, bell-shaped flowers in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and blue. They prefer part shade to full sun, and well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist.
Why it attracts hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds are attracted to columbine because of its brightly colored flowers and high nectar production.
Where to plant and how to grow
Columbine is best planted in part shade to full sun, and well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist. It is relatively low-maintenance, only requiring occasional deadheading to promote continued flowering.
Other benefits of the columbine plant?
In addition to attracting hummingbirds, columbine is also attractive to bees and butterflies. It is also valued for its delicate foliage and interesting seed pods.
9. Penstemon
Description & Care
Penstemon is a group of perennials that produce tall spikes of tubular flowers in shades of pink, blue, purple, or red. They prefer full sun to partial shade, and well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist.
Why it attracts hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds are attracted to penstemon because of its brightly colored flowers and long, tubular shape.
Where to plant and how to grow
Penstemon is best planted in full sun to partial shade, and well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist. Deadheading spent blooms will promote continued flowering throughout the season.
Other benefits of the penstemon plant?
In addition to attracting hummingbirds, penstemon is also attractive to bees and butterflies. It is also generally pest and disease-resistant, making it a low-maintenance addition to any garden.
10. Bleeding Heart
Description & Care
Bleeding heart is a perennial herb that produces delicate, heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white. It prefers part shade to full shade, and moist, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
Why it attracts hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds are attracted to bleeding heart because of its unique, heart-shaped flowers and high nectar production.
Where to plant and how to grow
Bleeding heart is best planted in part shade to full shade, and moist, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. It benefits
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