Creating a garden that attracts hummingbirds is like painting with nature’s palette. These tiny, iridescent birds bring joy and vibrancy to any outdoor space. By planting perennial flowers that attract hummingbirds, you can enjoy their delightful presence year after year. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 perennial flowers that attract hummingbirds and make your garden a hummingbird haven like Garden guffaw.
Understanding Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Behavior and Feeding Habits
Hummingbirds are amazing birds that can hover in one spot and beat their wings incredibly fast. They feed primarily on nectar, which provides them with the energy they need for their high metabolism. Understanding their behavior and feeding habits can help you create a garden that meets their needs.
Why Flowers Are Crucial for Hummingbirds
Flowers are essential for hummingbirds because they provide a reliable source of nectar. Hummingbirds have long, specialized beaks that allow them to access the nectar deep within flowers. In return, hummingbirds help pollinate the plants, ensuring a mutually beneficial relationship.
Characteristics of Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds
Color Preferences
Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors, especially red, orange, pink, and purple. These colors signal to the birds that nectar is available, making your garden a visual feast for them.
Flower Shapes
Hummingbirds prefer tubular-shaped flowers because they can easily access the nectar with their long beaks. Flowers with a tubular structure provide the perfect feeding station for these tiny birds.
Nectar Production
High nectar production is crucial for attracting hummingbirds. Plants that consistently produce large amounts of nectar will keep hummingbirds coming back for more.
Top 10 Perennial Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds
Salvia
Salvia is a favorite among hummingbirds due to its vibrant colors and abundant nectar. These hardy plants are easy to grow and come in various shades of red, purple, and blue.
- Description and Care Tips: Salvia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Regular deadheading will encourage continuous blooms throughout the growing season. Varieties such as ‘Hot Lips’ and ‘Black & Blue’ are particularly attractive to hummingbirds.
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee Balm is a stunning perennial that not only attracts hummingbirds but also butterflies and bees. Its unique, spiky flowers are a magnet for pollinators.
- Description and Care Tips: Bee Balm prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. It can be prone to powdery mildew, so good air circulation is essential. Popular varieties include ‘Jacob Cline’ and ‘Raspberry Wine,’ known for their vibrant red and pink flowers.
Columbine (Aquilegia)
Columbine flowers are easily recognized by their unique, spur-shaped petals. These delicate-looking flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds.
- Description and Care Tips: Columbine thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil. They reseed easily, creating a beautiful display year after year. Varieties such as ‘Crimson Star’ and ‘Blue Barlow’ are particularly effective at attracting hummingbirds.
Daylily (Hemerocallis)
Daylilies are tough, long-lasting plants that bloom in a variety of colors. Their trumpet-shaped flowers are perfect for attracting hummingbirds.
- Description and Care Tips: Daylilies prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established. Varieties like ‘Stella de Oro’ and ‘Red Volunteer’ are particularly appealing to hummingbirds due to their vibrant colors and long blooming periods.
Lupine (Lupinus)
Lupines grow tall, vibrant flower spikes that hummingbirds can’t resist. Their unique shape and vibrant hues make them a garden standout.
- Description and Care Tips: Lupines do best in sunny spots with slightly acidic, well-drained soil. It helps to stake them to support their tall flower spikes. Varieties like ‘Russell Hybrid’ and ‘Gallery Mix’ come in various colors that hummingbirds love.
Penstemon
Penstemons, also known as beard tongues, produce tubular flowers that hummingbirds love. These perennials are drought-tolerant and easy to grow.
- Description and Care Tips: Penstemons prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage additional blooming. Varieties like ‘Husker Red’ and ‘Rocky Mountain Blue’ are particularly attractive to hummingbirds.
Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Coral Bells offer both beautiful foliage and delicate flowers that attract hummingbirds. These plants are adaptable and can flourish in many different garden environments.
- Description and Care Tips: Coral Bells prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. Regular watering and mulching help maintain their health and vibrancy. Varieties such as ‘Palace Purple’ and ‘Caramel’ provide colorful foliage and delicate flowers that attract hummingbirds.
Foxglove (Digitalis)
Foxgloves are tall, striking perennials with tubular flowers that hummingbirds adore. Their dramatic flower spikes add vertical interest to the garden.
- Description and Care Tips: Foxgloves thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil. Caution is needed as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. Varieties like ‘Excelsior’ and ‘Camelot’ offer vibrant colors and are particularly effective at attracting hummingbirds.
Honeysuckle (Lonicera)
Honeysuckles are vigorous climbers with fragrant, tubular flowers. They are a classic choice for attracting hummingbirds.
- Description and Care Tips: Honeysuckles thrive in places with plenty of sunlight or some shade and soil that drains well. Regular pruning will keep them in check and promote healthy growth. Varieties such as ‘Dropmore Scarlet’ and ‘Gold Flame’ are particularly attractive to hummingbirds.
Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Trumpet Vines are robust climbers that produce large, trumpet-shaped flowers. These vigorous plants are perfect for covering fences or trellises.
- Description and Care Tips: Trumpet Vines grow best in sunny spots with soil that drains well. They can be aggressive growers, so regular pruning is necessary to control their spread. Varieties like ‘Madame Galen’ and ‘Flava’ are particularly effective at attracting hummingbirds with their vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers.
Planting and Caring for Hummingbird-Friendly Perennials
Best Practices for Planting
When planting hummingbird-friendly perennials like 10 Perennial Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds, choose a location that receives ample sunlight and has well-drained soil. Grouping plants together can create a more attractive and accessible feeding area for hummingbirds.
Maintenance Tips for Healthy Plants
Regular watering, mulching, and deadheading will keep your perennials healthy and blooming. Fertilize sparingly to avoid excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Creating a Hummingbird Haven
Designing a Garden Layout
Design your garden with hummingbirds in mind by including a variety of flower shapes, sizes, and colors. Layering plants at different heights will provide both feeding and perching opportunities.
Complementary Plants and Features
Incorporate complementary plants such as native grasses and shrubs to provide shelter and nesting sites. Adding a water feature, like a small fountain or birdbath, can also attract hummingbirds.
Conclusion
Attracting hummingbirds to your garden with perennial flowers is a rewarding endeavor. These beautiful birds bring energy and life to your outdoor space, while the perennials provide year-round beauty. By understanding the preferences of hummingbirds and choosing the right plants, you can create a vibrant and welcoming garden for these delightful visitors.