Top 10 Blooms to Entice Hummingbirds: A Guide for Captivating These Flighty Feathered Friends
Transform your outdoor space into a vibrant hummingbird paradise with these ten flowers, each offering unique characteristics that make them irresistible to these delightful little flyers.
1. **Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)** This vine, with its long, tubular flowers rich in nectar, is a favourite among hummingbirds. To attract these birds without encouraging invasive species, choose the native or Dutch variety.
2. **Columbine (Aquilegia)** Known for its long spiky tails, Columbine is among the earliest sources of nectar for hummingbirds, particularly attractive in part shade conditions.
3. **Salvia (Salvia coccinea)** With vibrant red flowers, Salvia is a popular choice for attracting hummingbirds throughout the summer.
4. **Cuphea (Cuphea ignea)** Known as the firecracker plant, Cuphea offers bright orange or red tubular flowers that are highly attractive to hummingbirds.
5. **Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)** Although not typically the first choice, Fuchsia's drooping flowers are a favourite among hummingbirds, particularly displayed in hanging pots or baskets in shaded areas.
6. **Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)** This shrub produces large flowers late in the season, providing a vital source of nectar when other flowers are fading.
7. **Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)** Bright red blooms make this perennial a magnet for hummingbirds, especially in late summer and early fall.
8. **Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa)** Native to North America, bee balm offers nectar-rich flowers that are highly attractive to hummingbirds, adaptable to various garden conditions.
9. **Lobelia (Lobelia erinus)** While not as commonly mentioned, Lobelia's vibrant red or blue flowers can attract hummingbirds, particularly if they are looking for nectar in late summer.
10. **Catmint (Nepeta spp.)** Offering long-lasting, tubular lavender-blue flowers, Catmint is appealing to hummingbirds. It is also drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.
## Attracting Hummingbirds: Key Factors
- **Color Preference:** Hummingbirds are often drawn to red flowers due to their visual preferences, but they also visit flowers with other bright colors like orange, yellow, purple, and blue. - **Flower Shape:** Long, tubular flowers are particularly appealing to hummingbirds because they can easily access the nectar. - **Nectar Content:** Flowers with high nectar content are more attractive to hummingbirds.
These flowers not only add a splash of colour to your garden but also provide the necessary nectar for hummingbirds to thrive. Fuchsias, for instance, are a favourite among hummingbirds and shine best in hanging baskets, thriving in temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Lantanas are tough and can handle dry spells well, making them easy to care for. Delphiniums are tall and attract hummingbirds due to their visibility. Lantanas thrive in hot, sunny conditions, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Cardinal climber flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies due to their abundant nectar.
- To enhance your home-and-garden lifestyle, consider planting Fuchsia, a favorite among hummingbirds that shine best in hanging pots or baskets.
- For a vibrant lifestyle, try cultivating Lobelia (Lobelia erinus), a less commonly mentioned flower with vibrant red or blue tubular flowers that can attract hummingbirds in late summer.
