Creating a hummingbird garden can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. To attract these beautiful birds, it’s important to include specific plants that provide them with the nectar they need. Here are some key plants to consider:
1. Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens): This vine produces vibrant red, trumpet-shaped flowers that hummingbirds can’t resist. It blooms throughout the summer and provides a reliable source of nectar. I personally love watching the hummingbirds dart in and out of the honeysuckle blooms in my own garden.
2. Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis): This native wildflower has unique, red and yellow flowers that are perfectly shaped for a hummingbird’s long beak. Columbine is a hardy perennial that blooms in the spring and early summer, providing an early food source for hummingbirds as they return from their winter migration.
3. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.): Certain species of milkweed are not only important for monarch butterflies but also attract hummingbirds. Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and common milkweed (A. syriaca) have clusters of small, fragrant flowers that hummingbirds find irresistible. These plants also serve as host plants for monarch butterfly larvae, adding to their ecological value.
In addition to specific plant choices, it’s important to create a habitat that meets the needs of hummingbirds. Here are a few tips:
1. Provide a water source: Hummingbirds need water for drinking and bathing. Consider including a small birdbath or a shallow container filled with clean water. Adding a small fountain or mister can attract their attention even more.
2. Create perching spots: Hummingbirds need places to rest and observe their surroundings. Including tall, thin branches or small perches near your nectar-rich plants can help create these resting spots.
3. Provide shelter: Shrubs, trees, and other dense vegetation can provide shelter and protection for hummingbirds. They appreciate places to hide from predators and take cover during inclement weather. If you have the space, consider planting native shrubs and trees that provide both food and shelter.
Remember, creating a hummingbird garden is a continuous process. By providing a variety of blooming plants throughout the year, you can attract and support these delightful birds as they migrate and nest in your area. Be patient and observe the behavior of hummingbirds in your garden to make adjustments and additions as needed. Enjoy the beauty and wonder of these tiny avian visitors in your own backyard!
