Hummingbirds Like What Plants?

Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures that capture our imagination with their vibrant colors, lightning-fast movements, and hovering flight. But did you know that these tiny birds rely on certain plants for their survival? In this blog post, we'll explore the plants that hummingbirds like and why they're so important for these magnificent birds.

The Plants That Hummingbirds Love

Hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored flowers that are rich in nectar, the sweet liquid that provides them with the energy they need to fly and survive. Some of the plants that hummingbirds like include:

• Bee balm
• Fuchsia
• Lupine
• Trumpet vine
• Salvia
• Penstemon
• Columbine

Bee Balm

Bee balm is a native North American plant that produces bright red, pink, or purple flowers that are irresistible to hummingbirds. The flowers bloom from early summer to fall, providing a long-lasting source of nectar. Bee balm is also known as wild bergamot, horsemint, and Oswego tea, and it's a popular herb for making tea.

Fuchsia

Fuchsia is a tropical plant that produces gorgeous, pendulous flowers in shades of pink, red, and purple. Hummingbirds love fuchsia because the flowers are deep and tubular, making it easy for them to extract nectar. Fuchsia is often grown in hanging baskets or containers, and it thrives in partial shade.

Lupine

Lupine is a classic cottage garden plant that produces tall spikes of pea-like flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. Hummingbirds are attracted to the sweet fragrance of lupine, and they love to perch on the flower spikes while sipping nectar. Lupine prefers cool, moist soils and full sun to partial shade.

Trumpet Vine

Trumpet vine is a vigorous, woody vine that produces bright orange or red flowers in late summer to fall. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, hence the name, and they're perfect for hummingbirds because they contain a lot of nectar. Trumpet vine can grow up to 30 feet long, so it's ideal for covering walls, fences, or trellises.

Salvia

Salvia is a large genus of plants that includes many species with tubular flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds. Some of the most popular salvias for hummingbirds include Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha), black and blue salvia (Salvia guaranitica), and pineapple sage (Salvia elegans). Salvias prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

Penstemon

Penstemon is a North American native plant that produces tall spikes of tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, and white. Hummingbirds are especially fond of the red and pink varieties, which contain the most nectar. Penstemon prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

Columbine

Columbine is a woodland plant that produces delicate, bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. The flowers have long spurs that hold a lot of nectar, making them perfect for hummingbirds. Columbine is easy to grow from seed and prefers partial shade.

Why Are These Plants Important?

The plants that hummingbirds like are important for several reasons. First, they provide a source of nectar that hummingbirds depend on for their survival. Hummingbirds have high metabolisms and need to eat frequently to maintain their energy levels. Without a steady supply of nectar, they wouldn't be able to survive.

Second, these plants are often native species that support local ecosystems. Native plants provide habitat and food for a wide range of wildlife, from insects to birds to mammals. By planting native species in your garden, you're helping to support biodiversity and protect the environment.

How Can You Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden?

If you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, there are a few things you can do:

• Plant the right flowers: As we've already discussed, hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored flowers that are rich in nectar. Planting a variety of these flowers in your garden will increase your chances of attracting hummingbirds.
• Provide a water source: Hummingbirds need to drink water as well as nectar, so providing a shallow bird bath or fountain will help to keep them hydrated.
• Avoid using pesticides: Pesticides and herbicides can be harmful to hummingbirds and other wildlife, so try to use natural methods to control pests and weeds in your garden.

What If You Don't Have a Garden?

If you don't have a garden, you can still attract hummingbirds by hanging a hummingbird feeder. Hummingbird feeders are typically filled with a solution of sugar water, which mimics the nectar found in flowers. However, it's important to clean your feeder regularly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Hummingbirds are amazing creatures that rely on certain plants for their survival. By planting the right flowers in your garden or hanging a hummingbird feeder, you can attract these beautiful birds and provide them with the food they need to thrive. Remember to choose native species whenever possible and avoid using pesticides to protect the environment and support biodiversity.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of sugar in my hummingbird feeder?

No, it's best to use plain white granulated sugar in your hummingbird feeder. Do not use honey, brown sugar, or artificial sweeteners, as these can be harmful to hummingbirds.

2. How often should I clean my hummingbird feeder?

You should clean your hummingbird feeder at least once a week, or more frequently during hot weather. Use hot water and soap to remove any mold or bacteria, and rinse thoroughly before refilling.

3. What if I live in an apartment or don't have access to a garden?

If you don't have a garden, you can still attract hummingbirds by hanging a hummingbird feeder on your balcony or near a window. Make sure to clean your feeder regularly and change the sugar water every few days to keep it fresh.

4. Are there any plants that hummingbirds don't like?

Hummingbirds are generally attracted to brightly colored flowers that are rich in nectar, but there are some plants that they may avoid. For example, they're not usually attracted to flowers that are white or pale yellow, as these colors are less visible to them.

5. How can I tell if a plant is a good choice for attracting hummingbirds?

Look for plants with tubular or bell-shaped flowers that are brightly colored and rich in nectar. You can also check online or consult a gardening book to find out which plants are most attractive to hummingbirds in your area.