ALTAMONT GARDEN

The Best Plants for Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Garden

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.

The Best Plants for Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Garden
A hummingbird perched on a nest

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!

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