Strategies for Encouraging Hummingbird Visits: Top 5 Blends for Garden Beds and Potted Plants
In the vibrant world of gardens, there's a growing movement towards creating spaces that not only delight the eye but also serve as sanctuaries for our avian friends. One such group of birds that find particular joy in well-tended gardens are hummingbirds. These tiny winged creatures, with their iridescent plumage and rapid flight, can be spotted flitting around in spring and summer.
To make your backyard more appealing for these energetic pollinators, consider planting species that help sustain their high metabolism. Here's a selection of plants suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones that attract and support hummingbirds:
- Penstemon (USDA Zones 3-9): A North American native with long tubular flowers that hummingbirds prefer, available in various colors and heights. It thrives in well-draining soil with full sun exposure.
- Bee Balm (Monarda spp.) (USDA Zones 3-9): A member of the mint family with vibrant colors ranging from red to pink and purple, growing 2-4 feet tall in sun to partial sun conditions.
- Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) (Hardy to at least Zone 4): A scarlet wildflower favored by hummingbirds and butterflies, blooming mid-summer to early fall. It does best left uncut during hummingbird migration, as even fading blossoms provide nectar.
- Trumpet Vine (No specific zone given but commonly used in hummingbird gardens): Tubular flowers that are nectar-rich and attract hummingbirds.
- Trumpet Honeysuckle (USDA zones usually 4-9): Another tubular-flowered plant ideal for hummingbirds.
- Sage (Salvia) and Red Cardinal Flower are excellent for native hummingbird habitats, often found in zones 3-9 or similar temperate zones.
Additional flowers attractive to hummingbirds include columbines, daylilies, lupines, foxgloves, and hollyhocks, covering a range of perennial, biennial, and annual options suitable across various USDA zones.
For those living in warmer climates, USDA Zones 9-11, there's an array of drought-tolerant plants that hummingbirds adore. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is a plant that cascades downward for 3ft or more and attracts hummingbirds with its yellow and orange flowers. Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) is a waterwise desert plant with tall spikes that flower for weeks at a time and are eagerly visited by hummingbirds. Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.) has brightly colored pendulous flowers that dangle downward, providing easy access to plentiful nectar. Geranium (Pelargonium spp.) has vivid red flowers that lure in hummingbirds, but it's best to pair with flowers with lots of nectar. Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria) is a perennial with tall spikes of red, orange, and yellow-tipped tubular flowers that shine in a dry landscape. Aloe (Aloe spp.) produces 2-4ft tall spikes tipped with orange, red and yellow tubular flowers. They'll often repeat their blooms throughout the growing season, offering hummingbirds a double dose of nectar.
Petunias, Pentas, Scarlet Salvia, Spider Flower, and Flowering Tobacco are summer-flowering annuals that hummingbirds love. Mandevilla (Mandevilla hybrids) is a large-flowered tropical vine that can be used as a "thriller" plant in a container. Pentas (Pentas lanceolata) makes a second appearance as a "filler" plant in a large mixed container.
Lastly, it's essential to remember that suburban gardens play a greater role in providing food and shelter for hummingbirds as urban development expands. By choosing plants that attract and support hummingbirds, we can help maintain a thriving ecosystem in our own backyards.
References: [1] GardenGuides [2] HGTV [3] The Spruce [4] Garden Myths [5] Birds and Blooms
Incorporating drought-tolerant plants in your garden can cater to the needs of hummingbirds, even in warmer climates. Plants like Nasturtium, Yucca, Fuchsia, Red Hot Poker, Aloe, and Petunias are attractive options for USDA Zones 9-11, providing nectar-rich flowers that the birds love. Meanwhile, embracing a garden lifestyle that focuses on eco-friendly practices can reflect a sense of fashion-and-beauty, as creating hummingbird havens also serves as a means of promoting a healthy home-and-garden ecosystem.
