10 Best Plants That Attract Hummingbirds and How to Care for Them
The beauty and grace of hummingbirds are unmatched, attracting them to your garden is easy and rewarding. The best way to do so is by planting the right type of flowering plants. Not only do these plants offer visual appeal to your garden, but they also provide nectar sources that hummingbirds seek out during their migration patterns. Here are ten of the best plants that attract hummingbirds and how to care for them.
1. Bee Balm
About Bee Balm
Bee Balm is a native North American plant commonly found in prairies and woodlands where it grows wild. The plant has distinctive red or pink flower spikes that bloom in midsummer and fall. Also known as Monarda, Bee Balm is an excellent source of nectar and pollen for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
Planting Bee Balm
Bee Balm prefers full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil. It can grow up to three feet tall, so make sure you give it enough room to spread. You can start Bee Balm from seed or purchase established plants.
Caring for Bee Balm
Once established, Bee Balm is relatively easy to care for. It needs regular watering and deadheading to promote new blooms. Avoid overhead watering, which can lead to powdery mildew on the foliage. In fall, cut the plant down to the ground to promote healthy new growth the following year.
2. Hollyhocks
About Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks are tall, showy plants that grow up to six feet tall in a variety of colors. The flowers are large and cup-shaped, making them an excellent source of nectar for hummingbirds. Hollyhocks are biennial but can also be grown as annuals.
Planting Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. They are best started from seed in early spring or late summer for fall planting. Once established, Hollyhocks do not require much water, but they may need staking due to their height.
Caring for Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks require little maintenance other than regular watering and deadheading to promote new blooms. However, they are susceptible to rust, a fungal disease that causes yellow-orange spots on the foliage. If you notice signs of rust, remove the infected leaves and dispose of them in the trash.
3. Salvia
About Salvia
Salvia is a popular garden plant that produces spikes of flowers ranging from blue to purple to red. The flowers are long-lasting and attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
Planting Salvia
Salvia prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It can be started from seed or purchased as an established plant. Salvia is relatively drought-tolerant once established but will benefit from regular watering.
Caring for Salvia
Salvia requires minimal care other than occasional deadheading to promote new blooms. It is susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the foliage. If you notice signs of powdery mildew, remove the infected leaves and dispose of them in the trash.
4. Trumpet Vine
About Trumpet Vine
Trumpet Vine is a fast-growing, woody vine with orange-red trumpet-shaped flowers. The flowers are a source of nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies.
Planting Trumpet Vine
Trumpet Vine prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seed or purchased as an established plant. Trumpet Vine can grow up to thirty feet long, so make sure you give it enough room to spread.
Caring for Trumpet Vine
Once established, Trumpet Vine requires little care other than occasional watering during prolonged periods of drought. It can also be pruned to control its size.
5. Cardinal Flower
About Cardinal Flower
Cardinal Flower is a native North American plant with bright red flowers on tall spikes. The plant is often found growing in wetland areas and along streams or rivers. The flowers are an excellent source of nectar for hummingbirds.
Planting Cardinal Flower
Cardinal Flower prefers full sun to partial shade and moist soil. It can be grown from seed or purchased as an established plant. The plant can grow up to four feet tall, so make sure you give it enough room to spread.
Caring for Cardinal Flower
Cardinal Flower requires regular watering, especially during prolonged periods of drought. The plant may need staking due to the weight of the flowers. Once the flowers have finished blooming, cut the plant down to the ground to promote healthy new growth.
6. Lupines
About Lupines
Lupines are plants known for their attractive spires of flowers that bloom in shades of purple, pink, yellow, and white. The flowers are a good source of nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
Planting Lupines
Lupines prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. They are best started from seed and should be planted in early spring. Lupines do not like to be transplanted once they are established, so choose your planting location carefully.
Caring for Lupines
Lupines require regular watering, especially during prolonged periods of drought. They also benefit from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. In fall, cut the plant down to the ground to promote healthy new growth the following year.
7. Penstemon
About Penstemon
Penstemon is a genus of native North American plants that produce tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, and white. The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
Planting Penstemon
Penstemon prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seed or purchased as an established plant. Penstemon requires regular watering and benefits from deadheading to promote new blooms.
Caring for Penstemon
Penstemon requires minimal care other than regular watering and occasional deadheading. The plants may need to be staked if they become top-heavy due to the weight of their flowers.
8. Petunias
About Petunias
Petunias are popular garden plants known for their large, colorful blooms in shades of pink, purple, white, and red. The flowers are a good source of nectar for hummingbirds.
Planting Petunias
Petunias prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. They can be grown from seed or purchased as an established plant. Petunias require regular watering and benefit from deadheading to promote new blooms.
Caring for Petunias
Petunias require minimal care other than regular watering and occasional deadheading. They may also need to be fertilized regularly to promote healthy growth.
9. Fuchsia
About Fuchsia
Fuchsia is a bushy plant with drooping, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, and white. The flowers are a good source of nectar for hummingbirds.
Planting Fuchsia
Fuchsia prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seed or purchased as an established plant. Fuchsia requires regular watering and benefits from deadheading to promote new blooms.
Caring for Fuchsia
Fuchsia requires regular watering, especially during prolonged periods of drought. It can also benefit from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. In fall, cut the plant down to the ground to promote healthy new growth the following year.
10. Zinnias
About Zinnias
Zinnias are popular garden plants known for their bright, colorful blooms in shades of pink, orange, yellow, and red. The flowers are a good source of nectar for hummingbirds.
Planting Zinnias
Zinnias prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They are best started from seed in early spring. Zinnias require regular watering and can benefit from deadheading to promote new blooms.
Caring for Zinnias
Zinnias require minimal care other than regular watering and occasional deadheading. They may also need to be fertilized regularly to promote healthy growth.
Creating an attractive, hummingbird-friendly garden isn't difficult. The use of these colorful plants and proper care will give you a bird-friendly environment to enjoy year after year.
FAQ
What time of year do hummingbirds visit gardens?
Hummingbirds typically visit gardens during their migration patterns in spring and fall.
How do I attract hummingbirds to my garden?
You can attract hummingbirds to your
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