Attracting hummingbirds to your garden has multiple benefits. These tiny birds help in the process of cross-pollination and contribute to a richer, greener, and more biodiverse environment. Moreover, their energy and quick, flitting movements add a dash of life and color to any garden. However, not all plants attract hummingbirds. Let’s discover the best flowering plants to attract these beautiful birds.
Most Attractive Flowering Plants for Hummingbirds
We start with an overview of the top ten plants known to be favorites of hummingbirds, those that provide the nectar they adore.
- Bee Balm: This perennial with its splashy summer blooms is a hummingbird magnet.
- Daylily: Hummingbirds appreciate these for their extravagant, tubular flowers.
- Foxglove: Perfect for hummingbirds, these plants boast long, tubular flowers and bloom in late spring.
- Lupine: Not only do they produce blue spikes in early summer, but are also beneficial to the soil.
- Red Hot Poker: With flowers glowing like a torch, these plants lure hummingbirds with their sweet nectar.
- Sage: This perennial herb offers flowers in summer attracting a variety of hummingbirds.
- Lantana: Tolerating heat and drought, these plants offer clusters of flowers.
- Zinnia: Easy to grow, these bright flowers are hummingbird favorites.
- Petunia: Offering tubular flowers throughout summer, these plants are a nectar source for hummingbirds.
- Trumpet Vine: As the name suggests, the plant’s trumpet-shaped flowers are perfect for hummingbirds.
Beyond selecting specific plants, placing them in a sunny location will ensure the most blooms and maximum hummingbird visitation. Additionally, hosting a variety of plants ensures a steady supply of nectar throughout the growing season.
Native Plants for Hummingbirds in the US
Using native plants is beneficial to both the environment and the hummingbirds. Besides being adapted to local soil and climate conditions, they also thrive with less water and fertilizers, reducing your environmental footprint. Here are a few choices:
- Columbine: Excellent for early spring, providing nectar when food is scarce.
- Coral Honeysuckle: Produces tubular flowers, perfect for hummingbirds.
- Wild Bergamot: Hardy plant with lavender blooms.
- Solomon’s Seal: Shade-loving plant with delicate, hanging flowers.
- Cardinal Flower: Produces bright red flowers that hummingbirds can’t resist.
By selecting native plants, you contribute to sustaining your local ecosystem, providing food and habitat to various birds and pollinators.
Attracting Hummingbirds with Native Plants in the Pacific Northwest
Gardeners in the Pacific Northwest can choose specific native plants known to attract hummingbirds in the region. These include the vibrant Red Flowering Currant and the Salmonberry with its pink blooms. Remember to ensure these plants receive the right light exposure and are properly watered to guarantee they attract the most hummingbirds.
DIY Hummingbird Garden Steps
Creating an eco-friendly hummingbird garden is satisfying and straightforward. Start by identifying the appropriate spot, preferably with sunlight exposure. Choose a mix of native and other hummingbird-friendly plants ensuring continuous blooms. Layer these in your garden using taller plants at the back, gradually moving to shorter ones toward the front. Finally, keep the garden organic by avoiding pesticides which can harm both hummingbirds and insects.
This specially designed garden will not only be a haven for hummingbirds but also support a wider range of wildlife, helping to maintain a vibrant and resilient local ecosystem.
Wrap Up
Creating a garden that attracts hummingbirds doesn’t require exotic or hard-to-find plants. Instead, a well-planned selection of native and other flowering plants can turn your garden into a hummingbird paradise. Moreover, by choosing native plants, you reduce your impact on the environment, conserve water, and decrease the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Why not begin planning your hummingbird-friendly garden today?
