Types Of Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

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Why attract hummingbirds to your garden?

Hummingbirds are among the most naturally attractive and graceful creatures that you can find in your garden. These tiny birds are known for their shimmering colors, swift movements, and ability to float in midair. If you love nature, gardening, or photography, you should have hummingbirds in your garden.

Importance of plants that attract hummingbirds

Hummingbirds feed on nectar, which is a sweet liquid produced by plants. Therefore, the more types of plants you have in your garden, the more hummingbirds you will attract. Additionally, plants play a vital role in creating an environment for these birds to thrive. Furthermore, providing food for hummingbirds is essential to their survival, especially during migration periods when they need to bulk up for their long journey.

Types of Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

If you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, you should consider planting the following types of plants:

Native Plants

Native plants are adapted to the local environment, and this makes them well-suited for attracting hummingbirds. Since hummingbirds co-evolved with native plants, they have developed a natural affinity towards them. Moreover, these plants require minimal maintenance compared to non-native ones.

Tubular Flowers

The shape of flowers determines the type of bird or insect that will be attracted to it. Tubular-shaped flowers are the best for attracting hummingbirds because they can fly and feed while hovering in front of them. Some examples of tubular flowers include: Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Morning glory (Ipomoea spp), and Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus).

Landscape Favorites

These types of plants offer both nectar and cover for hummingbirds, and this makes them an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the birds' beauty while enhancing their garden's overall appearance. Examples of landscape favorites include: Bee balm (Monarda didyma), Butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii), and Salvia (Salvia spp)

Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds

Apart from planting the right types of plants, here are some tips for attracting hummingbirds to your garden:

1. Plant in large groupings – This creates a sweeping effect and entices the birds to explore the area.

2. Provide food and water sources – Apart from nectar, hummingbirds need water to keep hydrated. You can provide this by placing shallow plates with water around the garden.

3. Choose a variety of colors – Hummingbirds have a keen sense of color vision and can differentiate between different shades of red, orange, yellow, and purple.

Creating a hummingbird-friendly garden is a fun and easy way to enhance your home environment while appreciating nature's beauty. With the right plants and care, you can enjoy watching these amazing creatures up close.

FAQ

What are some good native plants for attracting hummingbirds?

Some native plants for attracting hummingbirds include trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans), red buckeye (Aesculus pavia), and Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens).

How do I provide food and water sources for hummingbirds?

You can provide food by planting nectar-rich flowers, hanging hummingbird feeders filled with a sugar-water solution. You can provide water by placing shallow dishes of water around the garden.

Can I attract hummingbirds with non-native plants?

Yes, you can attract hummingbirds to your garden with non-native plants too. However, it's important to note that not all non-native plants are suitable for hummingbirds as they might not provide enough nectar.

What colors should I choose to attract hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors, especially shades of red, orange, yellow, and purple.

How often should I water my hummingbird plants?

It depends on the type of plant, but most hummingbird plants thrive when the soil is kept moist. It’s important not to overwater your plants as this can cause root rot.

Do I need to use pesticides on my hummingbird plants?

No, pesticides can be harmful to hummingbirds, and select the proper plant maintenance procedures to keep them healthy.

Are there any plants that will repel hummingbirds?

Although some scented herbs like basil and mint have been said to repel hummingbirds, it doesn't always hold true; these birds may still fly around in search of nectar.

Do hummingbirds prefer sunny or shady areas?

Hummingbirds thrive in sunny areas because plants require sunlight to produce nectar.

When is the best time of day to observe hummingbirds?

The best time to observe hummingbirds is early morning or at dusk – these periods represent the times when they are most active.

How can I identify different species of hummingbirds in my garden?

You can identify different species of hummingbirds based on their color pattern and tail feathers. If you're not sure about your hummingbird species, take a photo or video and refer to a bird guide for identification.