The Top 10 Best Plants that Attract Hummingbirds

Best Plants that Attract Hummingbirds

Are you looking to attract hummingbirds to your garden or backyard? Look no further than these top 10 plants that are sure to lure in these colorful and fascinating birds.

Hook The Beauty of Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are one of the most enchanting species of birds out there. With their vibrant colors and ability to hover in mid-air, they are a sight to behold. If you want to attract these amazing creatures to your garden or backyard, planting the right flowers is essential. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best plants for attracting hummingbirds.

1. Bee Balm (Monarda)

Bee balm, also known as Monarda, is a popular plant that attracts hummingbirds. It has brightly colored flowers that bloom in shades of red, pink, and purple. Bee balm is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance, making it a great choice for beginners. This plant also attracts bees and butterflies, making it an excellent addition to any pollinator garden.

How to Grow Bee Balm

Bee balm prefers full sun or partial shade and well-draining soil. It can be planted in the spring or fall and should be watered regularly until established. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage more flowers to grow.

Benefits of Bee Balm

In addition to attracting hummingbirds, bee balm has several health benefits. It is often used in herbal teas to aid digestion, relieve anxiety, and reduce inflammation.

2. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

The vibrant red blooms of the cardinal flower are sure to catch the eye of any hummingbird passing by. This plant prefers moist soil and partial shade, making it an excellent choice for a rain garden or near a water feature.

How to Grow Cardinal Flower

Cardinal flower should be planted in early spring or fall in well-draining soil. It requires regular watering and should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage more flowers to grow.

Benefits of Cardinal Flower

In addition to attracting hummingbirds, cardinal flower has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It is often used to treat respiratory ailments and as a natural pain reliever.

3. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Salvia, also known as sage, is a popular plant that attracts hummingbirds. It has brightly colored flowers that bloom in shades of blue, purple, pink, and red. Salvia is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance, making it a great choice for beginners.

How to Grow Salvia

Salvia prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It can be planted in the spring or fall and should be watered regularly until established. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage more flowers to grow.

Benefits of Salvia

In addition to attracting hummingbirds, salvia has several health benefits. It is often used in herbal teas to aid digestion, relieve anxiety, and reduce inflammation.

4. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

Trumpet vine, also known as Campsis radicans, is a fast-growing climbing vine that attracts hummingbirds with its bright orange-red flowers. This plant prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

How to Grow Trumpet Vine

Trumpet vine should be planted in the spring or fall in well-draining soil. It requires regular watering and should be trained to climb a trellis or other support structure. Pruning is necessary to control its growth and prevent it from becoming invasive.

Benefits of Trumpet Vine

In addition to attracting hummingbirds, trumpet vine has several benefits for the environment. It is often used to stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion.

5. Coral Bells (Heuchera)

Coral bells, also known as Heuchera, are a great choice for attracting hummingbirds to your garden. They have brightly colored flowers that bloom in shades of pink, red, and purple. Coral bells prefer partial shade and well-draining soil.

How to Grow Coral Bells

Coral bells should be planted in the spring or fall in well-draining soil. They require regular watering and should be deadheaded to encourage more flowers to grow.

Benefits of Coral Bells

In addition to attracting hummingbirds, coral bells are often used in landscaping for their colorful foliage. They come in a variety of colors and can add interest to any garden design.

6. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)

Butterfly bush, also known as Buddleia davidii, is a popular plant that attracts not only butterflies but also hummingbirds. It has brightly colored flowers that bloom in shades of pink, purple, and white. Butterfly bush prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

How to Grow Butterfly Bush

Butterfly bush should be planted in the spring or fall in well-draining soil. It requires regular watering until established and should be deadheaded to encourage more flowers to grow.

Benefits of Butterfly Bush

In addition to attracting hummingbirds and butterflies, butterfly bush is often used in landscaping for its attractive foliage. It can also help purify the air and reduce pollution.

7. Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)

Fuchsia is a popular plant that attracts hummingbirds with its brightly colored, pendulous flowers. It comes in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and red. Fuchsia prefers partial shade and well-draining soil.

How to Grow Fuchsia

Fuchsia should be planted in the spring or fall in well-draining soil. It requires regular watering and should be fertilized monthly during the growing season.

Benefits of Fuchsia

In addition to attracting hummingbirds, fuchsia is often used in landscaping for its colorful flowers and interesting shape. It can add interest to any garden design.

8. Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)

Honeysuckle, also known as Lonicera sempervirens, is a climbing vine that attracts hummingbirds with its brightly colored flowers. It comes in a variety of colors, including pink, red, and yellow. Honeysuckle prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

How to Grow Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle should be planted in the spring or fall in well-draining soil. It requires regular watering and should be trained to climb a trellis or other support structure.

Benefits of Honeysuckle

In addition to attracting hummingbirds, honeysuckle is often used in landscaping for its sweet fragrance. It can also be used to make herbal teas and other culinary treats.

9. Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana)

Impatiens, also known as Impatiens walleriana, is a popular plant that attracts hummingbirds with its brightly colored flowers. It comes in a variety of colors, including pink, red, and white. Impatiens prefer partial shade and well-draining soil.

How to Grow Impatiens

Impatiens should be planted in the spring or fall in well-draining soil. They require regular watering and should be fertilized monthly during the growing season.

Benefits of Impatiens

In addition to attracting hummingbirds, impatiens are often used in landscaping for their hardiness and ability to thrive in shady areas. They can add color to any garden design.

10. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

Zinnia, also known as Zinnia elegans, is a popular plant that attracts hummingbirds with its brightly colored flowers. It comes in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and orange. Zinnia prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

How to Grow Zinnia

Zinnia should be planted in the spring or fall in well-draining soil. They require regular watering and should be deadheaded to encourage more flowers to grow.

Benefits of Zinnia

In addition to attracting hummingbirds, zinnia is often used in landscaping for its hardiness and ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions. It can add color to any garden design.

Bring on the Hummingbirds!

Attracting hummingbirds to your garden or backyard is easy when you plant the right flowers. Whether you choose bee balm, cardinal flower, or any of the other plants on this list, you're sure to enjoy the beauty and wonder of these amazing creatures.

FAQs

1. What is the best time of year to plant hummingbird-attracting flowers?

The best time to plant hummingbird-attracting flowers is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and rainfall is plentiful.

2. How often should I water my hummingbird-attracting plants?

Hummingbird-attracting plants should be watered regularly until established. After that, they should be watered as needed based on weather conditions.

3. Can I attract hummingbirds with a bird feeder?

Yes, you can attract hummingbirds with a bird feeder. However, planting flowers that attract hummingbirds is a more natural and sustainable way to bring these beautiful birds to your garden.

4. Do hummingbirds only feed on nectar?

No, hummingbirds also eat insects for protein. Planting flowers that attract insects can help provide a balanced diet for these fascinating birds.

5. What is the best way to deadhead spent blooms?

The best way to deadhead spent blooms is to use sharp pruning shears to cut the stem just above the next set of leaves. This will encourage more flowers to grow.