Perennial Flowers for Hummingbirds: A Guide to Attracting These Beautiful Birds to Your Garden

Perennial Flowers for Hummingbirds

Are you looking for ways to attract hummingbirds to your garden? If so, planting perennial flowers is a great way to do it. Not only will you have beautiful flowers in your garden, but you'll also be able to enjoy the sight of these amazing birds as they flit and hover around your plants. But which flowers are best for attracting hummingbirds? In this guide, we'll take a look at some of the top perennial flowers for hummingbirds, along with tips on how to care for them and create an inviting habitat for these tiny creatures.

Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures, known for their incredible speed, agility, and beauty. These small birds are found throughout the Americas, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, and they play an important role in pollinating flowers and other plants. If you're a fan of hummingbirds, you may be wondering how to attract them to your garden. Fortunately, there are many types of perennial flowers that hummingbirds love, and by planting them in your yard, you can create a habitat that's both beautiful and welcoming to these amazing birds.

Choosing the Right Perennial Flowers

When selecting perennial flowers for hummingbirds, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, look for flowers that are bright and showy, with trumpet-shaped blooms that are easy for hummingbirds to access. Second, choose plants that bloom at different times throughout the season, so that there's always something in bloom for the birds to feed on. And third, make sure to plant your flowers in a location that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil.

Top Perennial Flowers for Hummingbirds

Here are some of the best perennial flowers for attracting hummingbirds:

1. Bee Balm (Monarda)

Bee balm is a hardy perennial with showy blooms in shades of red, pink, and purple. These plants grow up to 4 feet tall and bloom from mid-summer to early fall, making them a great choice for late-season feeding. Bee balm prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

2. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia)

Cardinal flower is a stunning perennial with bright red blooms that are shaped like trumpets. These plants grow up to 4 feet tall and bloom from mid-summer to early fall. Cardinal flower prefers moist soil and partial shade.

3. Columbine (Aquilegia)

Columbine is a delicate-looking perennial with intricate blooms in shades of red, pink, yellow, blue, and white. These plants grow up to 3 feet tall and bloom from late spring to early summer. Columbine prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.

4. Coral Bells (Heuchera)

Coral bells are a versatile perennial with foliage in shades of green, pink, bronze, and purple. The tiny flowers are not very showy, but they are a favorite of hummingbirds. These plants grow up to 2 feet tall and prefer partial shade and well-drained soil.

5. Daylily (Hemerocallis)

Daylilies are a popular perennial with large, trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of orange, yellow, pink, and red. These plants grow up to 3 feet tall and bloom from early summer to mid-fall. Daylilies prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

6. Delphinium

Delphinium is a tall, showy perennial with spikes of blue, pink, purple, or white flowers. These plants grow up to 5 feet tall and bloom from early summer to mid-fall. Delphinium prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

7. Foxglove (Digitalis)

Foxglove is a tall, stately perennial with spikes of tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow. These plants grow up to 6 feet tall and bloom from late spring to mid-summer. Foxglove prefers partial shade and moist soil.

8. Honeysuckle (Lonicera)

Honeysuckle is a shrubby perennial with fragrant, trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of pink, red, yellow, and white. These plants grow up to 10 feet tall and bloom from mid-spring to early fall. Honeysuckle prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

9. Lupine

Lupine is a colorful perennial with spiky blooms in shades of pink, blue, purple, and white. These plants grow up to 4 feet tall and bloom from mid-spring to early summer. Lupine prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

10. Penstemon

Penstemon is a hardy perennial with tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, and white. These plants grow up to 3 feet tall and bloom from late spring to early fall. Penstemon prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Caring for Perennial Flowers

Once you've chosen your perennial flowers, it's important to care for them properly to ensure that they thrive and continue to attract hummingbirds. Here are some tips for caring for your plants:

1. Watering

Most perennial flowers prefer moist soil, so be sure to water them regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

2. Fertilizing

Perennial flowers generally don't require a lot of fertilizer, but you can give them a boost by applying a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) in early spring.

3. Mulching

Mulching your perennial flowers with a layer of organic material (such as shredded leaves or straw) can help retain moisture in the soil, prevent weeds from growing, and regulate soil temperature.

4. Pruning

Deadheading (removing spent blooms) can encourage your plants to produce more flowers throughout the season. In addition, pruning back your plants in the fall can help them stay healthy and prepare for winter.

5. Pests and Diseases

Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases that can affect your perennial flowers, such as aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. If you notice any problems, treat them promptly with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide.

Creating a Hummingbird Habitat

In addition to planting the right flowers, there are other things you can do to create a welcoming habitat for hummingbirds. Here are some tips:

1. Provide Shelter

Hummingbirds need shelter from wind, rain, and predators, so consider planting shrubs or trees nearby that can provide cover.

2. Offer Water

In addition to nectar, hummingbirds need water to drink and bathe in. You can provide a shallow bird bath or fountain, or simply mist your plants with a spray bottle.

3. Avoid Pesticides

Pesticides can be harmful to hummingbirds, so try to avoid using them in your garden. If you must use pesticides, choose products that are labeled for use around birds and follow the instructions carefully.

4. Keep Feeders Clean

If you use hummingbird feeders, be sure to keep them clean and filled with fresh nectar. Change the nectar every 3-5 days, or more often in hot weather.

By planting perennial flowers for hummingbirds and creating a welcoming habitat in your garden, you can enjoy the beauty and wonder of these amazing birds all season long. Remember to choose the right plants, care for them properly, and provide shelter, water, and food for your feathered friends.

FAQs

1. How often should I water my perennial flowers?

Most perennial flowers prefer moist soil, so water them deeply once a week or as needed to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

2. Can I grow perennial flowers in containers?

Yes, many types of perennial flowers can be grown successfully in containers, as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage.

3. What's the best way to deadhead my perennial flowers?

To deadhead your plants, simply pinch or snip off the spent blooms just above the next set of leaves or buds.

4. How do I know if my plants are getting too much or too little sun?

If your plants are wilting or turning yellow, they may be getting too much sun. If they're not blooming well or the foliage is pale, they may be getting too little sun.

5. Can I attract hummingbirds with other types of plants besides perennial flowers?

Yes, hummingbirds also love annual flowers, shrubs, and trees that produce nectar-rich blooms. Some examples include petunias, fuchsias, salvia, butterfly bush, and red maple.