Hummingbirds are among nature's most fascinating creatures, their iridescent feathers flashing as they dart between blossoms. These tiny birds captivate gardeners, and attracting them to a garden has become an exciting challenge for many plant enthusiasts. The key to making your garden irresistible to hummingbirds lies in carefully selecting native plants that suit their preferences and thrive in your local environment.
Supply Your Hummingbirds With Feeders
Hummingbirds are nectar feeders, and their diets consist mainly of the sweet liquid they sip from flowers. While hummingbird feeders can provide a quick fix, offering a garden filled with native plants is far more sustainable and beneficial for the birds and the ecosystem. They adapt to your region's weather and dirt conditions, making them easier to maintain and less reliant on water and chemical interventions. More importantly, they have co-evolved with the local wildlife, including hummingbirds, making them a natural food source supporting pollinators and other beneficial insects.
To create a hummingbird haven, consider your garden an ecosystem where plants bloom in succession throughout the growing season. Native plants offer the best range of food sources, ensuring hummingbirds can find nourishment from early spring until late fall. These birds prefer tubular-shaped flowers in bright colors like red, orange, and pink. While these colors attract their attention, the high sugar content of the nectar seals the deal.
One of the first native plants to consider for your hummingbird garden is coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens). This twining vine blooms prolifically in the spring and can continue flowering intermittently throughout the summer. Its striking red or orange tubular flowers are a beacon for hummingbirds. Unlike its invasive cousin, Japanese honeysuckle, coral honeysuckle is a well-behaved native that won't overrun your garden. It can climb trellises or arbors, providing both vertical interest and a constant supply of nectar.
Hummingbirds Love Cardinal flower
The Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is another stunning native that hummingbirds can't resist. With its tall spikes of bright scarlet blossoms, this plant is a magnet for hummingbirds, especially in the late summer when food sources may dwindle. Cardinal flowers thrive in moist soil, making them great for rain gardens or areas near ponds or streams. Their striking color and structure will draw attention in any garden, but their role in supporting hummingbirds is where they truly shine.
In drier areas, consider planting red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis). This delicate, nodding flower is one of the earliest bloomers in the spring, providing an essential nectar source just as hummingbirds are beginning to migrate northward. The red columbine's unique flower shape perfectly suits a hummingbird's long beak and tongue, allowing them to access the nectar easily. Its soft red and yellow flowers bring wild beauty to woodland gardens and rockier landscapes.
For gardeners in the western U.S., penstemon (Penstemon spp.) is a must-have for attracting hummingbirds. The tubular flowers of penstemon species come in various colors, from deep red to violet, and are particularly favored by hummingbirds in arid environments. Species like the firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) bloom in early summer and thrive in hot, dry conditions, offering a consistent food source even in harsh climates.
If you want a plant that feeds hummingbirds and adds movement and grace to the garden, bee balm (Monarda didyma) is an excellent option. This hardy perennial bursts into vibrant red, pink, or lavender blooms in mid-to-late summer. Its fuzzy, daisy-like flowers are rich in nectar and attract hummingbirds and bees, making it a perfect plant for pollinator-friendly gardens. Bee balm is also resistant to deer and rabbits, ensuring your hummingbird feast remains untouched by other wildlife.
Hummingbirds Will Fight Over Trumpet Vine
Another native plant is the trumpet vine (Campsis radicans). This vigorous climber is a favorite among hummingbirds thanks to its large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red and orange. Giving trumpet vine plenty of room is essential, as it can increase and take over a space if not carefully managed. Plant it near a sturdy structure like a fence or pergola, and watch as it becomes a hummingbird hotspot.
Salvia (Salvia spp.) is a genus that offers a wide range of species suitable for different regions, and hummingbirds are particularly fond of the red varieties. Salvia greggii, or autumn sage, is a native that blooms from spring to fall, providing a nearly continuous source of nectar. Its small, tubular flowers are perfect for hummingbirds, and its drought tolerance.
Hummingbirds Loves Shrubs
Creating a garden that attracts hummingbirds isn't just about the flowers. Consider the entire habitat. Hummingbirds need perches to rest and preen between feeding sessions. Small, leafless branches of shrubs and trees offer perfect vantage points where hummingbirds can take a break and survey their territory. Native shrubs like buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) or eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) can serve as perches and additional food sources when in bloom.
Water is another essential element for a hummingbird-friendly garden. These tiny birds love to bathe, often flying through mist or dipping into shallow water. Installing a misting system or a small, gently bubbling fountain can attract hummingbirds looking to refresh themselves. Avoid deep birdbaths, as hummingbirds prefer shallower water where they can safely drink or bathe without risk.
An often-overlooked aspect of creating a hummingbird haven is the importance of insect life. While hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar, they also rely on small insects and spiders for protein, especially during breeding season. Native plants support a healthy insect population, providing hummingbirds with an additional food source often unavailable in gardens dominated by non-native ornamentals or treated with pesticides. By fostering a healthy, pesticide-free environment, you ensure your hummingbird visitors can access nectar and the protein-rich insects they need to thrive.
Planning a hummingbird garden is an exercise in patience and reward. Start by looking up the native plants in your region, focusing on those that offer high nectar content and bloom throughout the seasons. By incorporating a variety of species, you'll create a garden that attracts hummingbirds and supports the larger ecosystem.
Hummingbirds are creatures of habit, and once they discover a reliable food source, they will return to it year after year. By investing in native plants, you create a sustainable and self-sufficient ecosystem that will bring joy for years to come. The sight of a hummingbird darting through the garden, its wings a blur of motion as it hovers before a flower, is one of the most rewarding experiences for any gardener. And with the proper selection of native plants, you can make sure that your garden becomes a permanent stop on their migration journey, year after year.
