Hummingbirds, with their shiny feathers and amazing flying skills, are a wonderful addition to any garden. If you want to attract these tiny birds, you can turn your outdoor space into a lively haven full of activity, color, and the sweet hum of their wings. By learning about what they need and like, you can create a hummingbird-friendly garden that will not only bring joy to your life but also support local ecosystems.
Understanding Hummingbird Behavior
Before you can attract hummingbirds, it’s important to understand their behavior. These little birds are super energetic and mainly feed on nectar, though they also catch small insects for protein. They can be territorial and tend to return to reliable food sources, so it’s essential to create a consistent garden environment where they can find what they need.
Hummingbirds migrate seasonally, traveling thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds. In North America, many species head south in the fall, stopping by gardens for food and shelter. If you time your garden maintenance to align with their migration patterns, you can attract these visitors at important times of the year.
Best Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds
Flowers are one of the best ways to bring hummingbirds to your garden. These birds are naturally drawn to nectar-rich flowers, especially those with tubular shapes that let them reach deep into the blooms with their specialized beaks. Here are some great flowers to consider:
- Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans): This climber has bright orange-red flowers that hummingbirds love.
- Bee Balm (Monarda didyma): The vibrant red and pink blooms are very attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators.
- Salvia (Salvia spp.): Red and purple varieties of salvia provide plenty of nectar that hummingbirds enjoy.
- Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea): Known for its bright magenta flowers, this native plant is a favorite for hummingbirds.
- Fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica): With their hanging, tubular flowers, fuchsias are perfect for attracting these birds, especially in shaded areas.
- Columbine (Aquilegia spp.): These colorful flowers bloom early in the season, giving a vital food source to early-arriving hummingbirds.
When planting, aim for a variety of colors, especially red, pink, and orange, as hummingbirds are most attracted to these shades. Choose flowers that bloom at different times throughout the season to ensure a steady supply of nectar.
Native Plants: A Natural Approach
Using native plants is one of the best ways to attract hummingbirds. These plants are well-suited to your region’s climate and soil, making them hardier and easier to care for. They also provide the nectar that local hummingbirds are familiar with and attract beneficial insects that hummingbirds may feed on. Consider planting native species like:
- Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens): This vine has clusters of red, tubular flowers that hummingbirds find irresistible.
- Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): This stunning native perennial has bright red blooms, perfect for hummingbird gardens.
By incorporating native plants into your garden, you’re helping the local ecosystem while providing real food sources for hummingbirds.
Creating a Year-Round Hummingbird Garden
To keep hummingbirds returning year after year, create a garden that offers food and shelter all season long. Start with early-blooming flowers like columbines and bleeding hearts in spring, then add mid-season blooms like bee balm and salvia, and finish with late-blooming plants like trumpet vine and asters.
You can also use feeders to supplement the natural nectar sources, especially when flowers are less abundant. Be sure to clean your feeders regularly and refill them with fresh sugar-water solution to prevent mold and bacteria from growing.
Also Read: What are the best plants to attract birds?
How to Place and Use Hummingbird Feeders
Feeders are a simple and effective way to attract hummingbirds, but placement and maintenance are key. Hang feeders near flowers or natural perching spots where hummingbirds feel safe while feeding. Avoid placing them in areas with a lot of human or pet activity.
One part white granulated sugar and four parts water can be combined to manufacture your own hummingbird nectar. Before filling the feeder, bring the fluid to a boil to dissolve the sugar and allow it to cool. Red dye, artificial sweeteners, or honey should never be added to the mixture since they could hurt the birds.
Keep your feeders clean by rinsing them every two days, especially in warm weather, to prevent harmful mold and bacteria.
With these tips, you’ll create a welcoming environment for hummingbirds and enjoy their beauty in your garden!