Flowers Hummingbirds Love: A Guide to Attracting These Delightful Birds

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Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds in the world. With their brilliant colors, lightning-fast movements, and hovering tendencies, these feathered friends can captivate any bird lover. And what’s more enchanting than having a peaceful morning, sipping on coffee as hummingbirds flutter around you in the garden?

If you want to attract these delightful birds to your garden too, we have the perfect guide for you - Flowers Hummingbirds Love: A Guide to Attracting These Delightful Birds. So let's get started!

Why Attract Hummingbirds?

Attracting hummingbirds to your garden is not only a delight for the senses but also has numerous benefits. Hummingbirds are pollinators and help spread pollen from one plant to another, aiding in the growth of flowers and other plants. Moreover, they’re an important part of the food chain and help control insect populations.

Additionally, these tiny birds bring joy and excitement to the garden with their speed and agility, making it an even more enjoyable place to be.

How Flowers Attract Hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds love brightly colored, tubular-shaped flowers since they provide them easy access to nectar deep inside the blooms. They're drawn towards red or bright pink flowers because those hues are easier for them to spot.

The Importance of Providing a Safe Haven for Hummingbirds

Apart from providing nectar-filled flowers that keep them fed, it is essential to provide shelter and safety for hummingbirds. Hungry predators often target these birds due to their diminutive size, so it's necessary to create a safe environment for hummingbirds to thrive without fear of danger.

Hummingbird Flowers: Which Ones Do They Love?

Below are some of the hummingbirds’ favorite flowers that can attract them to your garden in no time.

1. Red Hot Poker

The Red Hot Poker plant, also known as Torch Lily or Kniphofia, produces distinctive spikes of yellow, orange, and red flowers. The flowers are a feast for hummingbirds since the tubular blooms contain nectar-rich centers that provide them with their beloved energy source.

2. Salvia

The Salvia plant, with its spiky, tubular-shaped blooms, is another top pick of hummingbirds. Apart from attracting these tiny birds, it's also deer-resistant and low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for any garden.

3. Bee Balm

Bee Balm, also known as Monarda, has fragrant, colorful flowers that look stunning in any bouquet. Its bright flowers grow in tight clusters and provide hummingbirds with a substantial amount of nectar, making it one of their favorites.

4. Fuchsia

Fuchsias are one of the most popular plants in the world with stunning, bell-shaped flowers. These flowers are perfect for attracting hummingbirds since they have deep vertical tubes full of nectar.

5. Petunia

Petunias are one of the most iconic summer plants, and hummingbirds love them too! These flowers have a funnel-like shape that makes accessing nectar easy for hummingbirds.

Other Plants and Flowers for Hummingbirds

Apart from the above-listed plants, there are other options to create a diverse hummingbird garden. Here are five more plants to try.

1. Trumpet Vine

Trumpet Vine is one of the most sought-after flowers for hummingbirds due to its vibrant colors and large, trumpet-shaped flowers. The vine can attract multiple hummingbirds at once, making it a great addition to your hummingbird garden.

2. Butterfly Bush

A species of Buddleia, it's named after its popularity with butterflies. But hummingbirds won't disappoint you coming to this plant; they'll be attracted by its long panicles of flowers.

3. Cardinal Flower

The Cardinal Flower, also known as Lobelia cardinalis, produces spiky blooms red and often used for medicinal purposes. Its shape and depth make it a popular flower for hummingbirds since it has plenty of nectar.

4. Columbine

Columbine is yet another beloved option for hummingbirds. Its bright and delicate petals provide enough space to reach the reachable inside bottom nectar cup part easily for the bird.

5. Hibiscus

Hibiscus is a tropical plant that can add flavor to any garden. The vibrant colors of its flowers and the practically white interior makes the perfect contrast to impress primarily hummingbirds in search of nectar.

Attracting Hummingbirds: Tips and Tricks

Here are some more tips and tricks to create an ideal habitat for hummingbirds:

1. Provide Food

Hummingbirds rely on flower nectar, insects and sugar water. You can easily make hummingbird food by mixing one part sugar with four parts water; avoid buying pre-made solution as it might contain preservatives that will harm the birds.

2. Create Shelter

Hummingbirds need shelter from weather conditions and hungry predators. Providing adequate shelter such as trees, bushes, and shrubs or setting up nesting boxes, can give them safety and peace of mind.

3. Provide Water

Hummingbirds also need water for their daily routine. Birdbaths, fountains, or other suitable shallow pools of water can provide that, but ensure the access low enough for their size.

4. Plant the Right Flowers

Select plants and flowers that have different bloom times, so the hummingbirds have a consistent source of food over extended periods with diverse options.

Attracting hummingbirds to your garden doesn't require a green thumb, but simply some knowledge about what they love the most. When you focus on plants and flowers that attract these feathered friends while creating a safe and welcoming environment, your garden could become a hub for tiny delights.

So, why wait? Grab your gloves and get started on cultivating a delightful hummingbird-friendly garden today!

FAQ

What colors are most attractive to hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds tend to favor bright colors, especially red, pink, orange, and purple. They're attracted to these colors because they stand out in the natural green surroundings of the garden.

How often should I change hummingbird nectar?

Change hummingbird nectar every two to three days, especially on hot days when the nectar turns rancid quickly. This routine helps avoid making them sick as harmful bacteria and fungus can grow in rotten nectar.

When is the best time of year to attract hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds migrate seasonally, depending on the region where you live. In general, it's better to have plants in bloom by April in northern climates, while February is the month for the southern states.

How can I keep ants away from my hummingbird feeder?

Hungry ants are attracted to sugar water, so place ant moats around your feeder or invest in a dripless feeder that has an ant-counter mechanism buildup.

Can hummingbirds be attracted to artificial flowers?

No, hummingbirds generally prefer natural flowers since they feel more organic and provide better nutritional value.

How do I make hummingbird nectar?

Boil one part granulated sugar with four parts water until the sugar dissolves. Allow the syrup to cool before filling your feeder. Avoid using honey or any artificial sweeteners as they can cause harm to the birds.

What other animals are attracted to hummingbird feeders?

Apart from hummingbirds, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and even bears might get attracted to the sugar water in the hummingbird feeders.

What types of flowers should I avoid planting if I want to attract hummingbirds?

Avoid planting double-petalled flowers because they’re harder for hummingbirds to access, therefore not useful for pollination.

Do hummingbirds return to the same place every year?

Yes, most species of hummingbirds are known to return to the same area each year during their seasonal migration, provided the location continues to offer a healthy environment and sufficient food sources.

How long do hummingbirds live?

The lifespan of hummingbirds varies depending on the species, with most living up to 5-6 years on average. However, some can live over ten years in captivity.