Top 10 Blooms Enticing for Hummingbirds Visitation
In the vibrant world of backyard wildlife, few sights are more enchanting than the swift, iridescent hummingbird darting among flowers. To entice these delightful creatures into your garden, consider planting some of the top flowers that attract hummingbirds.
Based on extensive research, we've compiled a list of the top 10 flowers that hummingbirds can't resist. These plants boast brightly coloured, tubular flowers rich in nectar, especially red, but also orange, yellow, and purple hues. Here are the most effective plants to attract hummingbirds:
1. Trumpet Honeysuckle (*Lonicera sempervivens*) – A hardy vine with tubular red flowers that hummingbirds love, blooming in the sun.
2. Bee Balm (*Monarda* spp.) – Native North American perennial with red blossoms that bloom throughout summer, very attractive to hummingbirds.
3. Salvia (Scarlet Sage) – With vivid red tubular flowers that bloom all summer, these are a favourite for hummingbirds.
4. Columbine (*Aquilegia canadensis*) – An early spring-blooming perennial with red and yellow flowers that provide nectar when few other flowers are available.
5. Fuchsia – A shade-loving plant with hanging, drooping flowers in striking colours, perfect for hanging baskets and a hummingbird magnet.
6. Cuphea (Firecracker Plant) – Bright orange or red tubular flowers that are irresistible to hummingbirds and thrive in the sun.
7. Lantana – A colourful, sun-loving flower that hummingbirds frequently visit, blooms in clusters often in red, orange, and yellow.
8. Zinnia – Annual flower with bright, open blooms that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
9. Phlox – Produces clusters of tubular flowers in bright colours, excellent for hummingbird gardens.
10. Coral Honeysuckle – A climbing vine with red tubular flowers that are very attractive to hummingbirds, good for vertical spaces.
Additional notable mentions include Foxglove, Petunias, and Rose of Sharon, which are also effective in attracting hummingbirds due to their nectar-rich, tubular flowers.
Cardinal climber flowers, Delphinium, or Larkspur, Foxglove, the lantana, Fuchsias, Rose of Sharon, Sunflowers, the Butterfly bush, and the Cardinal flower are also favourites among hummingbirds. These flowers offer a low-maintenance and rewarding gardening experience for both seasoned gardeners and beginners.
For example, Zinnias are an easy-to-grow annual flower that attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators with their vivid, cheerful colours. Sunflowers are easy to grow and provide late-season food for hummingbirds, coming in various colours and sizes. The Butterfly bush delights with a long season of blooming from June or July right through to fall.
Foxglove, with its elegant tubular flowers, is a great food source for hummingbirds due to its nectar-rich design. Growing foxglove is straightforward, and these plants can reach impressive heights of up to 5 feet. The lantana is a hummingbird favourite, with vibrant colours and being deer-resistant. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Fuchsias are a favourite among hummingbirds, particularly when displayed in hanging baskets, due to their vibrant two-tone colours. Rose of Sharon, despite not being a rose, is a hummingbird favourite due to its large, flat blossoms that come in a variety of colours.
In summary, red tubular flowers, especially those native or well adapted to your region, are the top choice to attract hummingbirds, with many perennials, annuals, vines, and shrubs available to create a hummingbird-friendly garden. By incorporating these flowers into your garden, you'll be creating a beautiful, hummingbird-friendly oasis that will provide a feast for the eyes and delight for the heart.
- To create a hummingbird-attracting home-and-garden lifestyle, consider including plants such as Trumpet Honeysuckle, Bee Balm, Salvia, Columbine, Fuchsia, Cuphea, Lantana, Zinnia, Phlox, and Coral Honeysuckle in your garden, as they are known to be irresistible to these tiny, enchanting creatures.
- Expand your home-and-garden portfolio beyond the top 10; Foxglove, Petunias, Rose of Sharon, Cardinal climber flowers, Delphinium, Larkspur, Sunflowers, Butterfly bush, and Cardinal flower are also favored by hummingbirds, offering a low-maintenance and delightful gardening experience for all.
