How Geraniums can Attract Hummingbirds in Your Garden

Table of Contents

How about this post on How Geraniums can Attract Hummingbirds in Your Garden?

If you're a nature-loving gardener, attracting hummingbirds to your garden might be one of your priorities. One way to achieve this is by planting the right flowers that are known to attract these amazing birds. Among the many flowering plants out there, geraniums stand out as an excellent choice.

Hummingbirds are amazing creatures that can add vibrancy and beauty to any garden. They are also natural pollinators, making them valuable contributors to the ecosystem. Having hummingbirds in your garden can benefit both the birds and the plants they visit. If you want to attract these feathered friends to your garden, you might want to consider planting geraniums. Here's why:

Why Hummingbirds are attracted to Geraniums

Geraniums have bright and colourful flowers that can catch a hummingbird's eye from far away. These petite birds are attracted to bright colours, so adding red, pink, or purple geraniums can lure them closer. The shape of the geranium flower, with its extended stamens and long nectar tubes, makes it easy for hummingbirds to feed on the sweet nectar inside.

Benefits of having Hummingbirds in your garden

Attracting hummingbirds to your garden can provide many benefits. These birds are natural pollinators, so they help in the reproduction of flowering plants. As they fly from one plant to another, they spread pollen and fertilize the flowers, allowing them to produce fruits and seeds. Additionally, hummingbirds help control insect populations, including pests that can damage crops.

How Geraniums can enhance the beauty of your garden

Geraniums come in different shapes, sizes, and colours. Their blooms can add brightness and charm to any garden, and their foliage can also be attractive. They are easy-to-grow plants that can thrive in various conditions, making them an ideal choice for gardeners of all levels.

How Geraniums attract Hummingbirds?

Geraniums have many features that make them attractive to hummingbirds. Below are some key factors that can lure these birds to your garden:

Color Matters

Hummingbirds are known to have a preference for bright colours, especially those in the red colour spectrum. When looking for geraniums to plant, choose varieties that have red, pink, or purple flowers. These shades are more visible to hummingbirds and can catch their attention from afar.

Scent & Nectar

Aside from visual appeal, geraniums produce sweet-smelling nectar that can draw hummingbirds closer. The scent can guide the birds towards the flowers, allowing them to see and feed on the nectar. As previously mentioned, geranium flowers have elongated stamens and nectar tubes, making it easy for hummingbirds to obtain their fill of nectar.

Easy-to-spot Blossoms

Geranium flowers are not only visually appealing but are also easily spotted by hummingbirds. They have distinctive five-petal blooms that can stand out in any garden. The flowers' bright colours and simple structure make them an irresistible target for hummingbirds looking for food.

The Right Variety

Not all geraniums are equal when it comes to attracting hummingbirds. Some varieties have more appealing characteristics than others, such as brighter colours, stronger scents, and more nectar production. The following varieties are some of the best geraniums to attract hummingbirds:

• Geranium sanguineum (Blood-red Cranesbill)
• Geranium procurrens (Creeping Cranesbill)
• Geranium macrorrhizum (Bigroot Crane's-bill)
• Geranium psilostemon (Armenian Cranesbill)

Tips for planting Geraniums to attract Hummingbirds

Now that you know how geraniums can attract hummingbirds let's look at some tips for planting them in your garden.

Plant in a sunny spot

Geraniums require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Choosing a sunny spot in your garden will ensure that your geraniums grow healthy and produce abundant blooms.

Provide adequate water

Geraniums require regular watering, especially during dry and hot conditions. The soil must be kept moist but not too wet, as this can lead to root rot. Watering the plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on the climate, is sufficient.

Avoid using pesticides

Chemical pesticides can harm hummingbirds and other beneficial insects that visit your garden. Instead of using harmful chemicals, try natural alternatives, such as insecticidal soap, neem oil, or companion planting.

Geraniums are a great choice for gardeners looking to attract hummingbirds. These beautiful flowers provide the perfect combination of colour, scent, and nectar that can lure hummingbirds from afar. By following the above tips and planting the right variety of geraniums, you can create a hummingbird-friendly oasis in your very own yard.

FAQ

If you have some questions lingering in your mind, take a look at our frequently asked questions section.

What other plants attract hummingbirds?

Aside from geraniums, other plants that can attract hummingbirds are Bee Balm, Columbine, Cardinal Flower, and Salvia, to name a few.

How do I know if my geraniums are attracting hummingbirds?

A good way to tell if hummingbirds are visiting your geraniums is by observing the flowers. If they are being pollinated, there would be visible evidence, such as pollen on the birds' feathers or around the flower's stamens.

Can I place geraniums in hanging pots to attract hummingbirds?

Yes. Hanging pots or baskets filled with geraniums can also attract hummingbirds. They might even be more attracted to potted geraniums because the blooms are closer to their eye level.

Do I need to fertilize geraniums to attract hummingbirds?

While fertilizing can help the plants grow healthier and produce more blooms, it is not necessary to attract hummingbirds. As long as the plants are healthy and producing nectar, hummingbirds will come.

Will hummingbirds depend on feeding from geranium flowers alone?

No. Hummingbirds feed on a variety of flowers and food sources. Geraniums can be part of their diet, but they will still visit other plants for nectar and insects.

Can geraniums survive cold winters and still attract hummingbirds?

Some varieties of geraniums are hardy and can survive winters. However, they may not bloom during the colder months. If you live in an area with harsh winters, you might want to consider planting your geraniums in pots that you can bring indoors during the winter season.

How long does it take for hummingbirds to find geranium flowers?

It depends on several factors, such as the availability of food sources, geographical location, and weather conditions. However, if you have followed the tips mentioned above, you can expect hummingbirds to visit your garden within a few weeks or months from planting.

Are all varieties of geraniums effective in attracting hummingbirds?

Not all geranium varieties are equally effective in attracting hummingbirds. Some have more abundant blooms, stronger scents, and brighter colours that are more appealing to these birds. The varieties mentioned earlier in this post are some of the best geraniums to plant to attract hummingbirds.

How can I protect my geranium flowers from being destroyed by pests or animals?

Use natural pest control methods, such as companion planting or insecticidal soap, to protect your geraniums from pests. Additionally, creating physical barriers can deter animals from eating your plants.

Can I mix different varieties of geraniums to attract more hummingbirds?

Yes. Mixing different varieties of geraniums can provide a diverse display of colour and shape, making your garden more attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators.

That's all about how geraniums can attract hummingbirds in your garden. Happy planting!