When it comes to attracting hummingbirds to your garden, one of the key factors to consider is the type of flowers you choose. Brightly-colored flowers that are tubular in shape tend to be the most appealing to hummingbirds, as they are perfectly designed for their long, slender beaks. These flowers provide easy access to the nectar, which is the main source of food for hummingbirds.
Perennials are a great choice for attracting hummingbirds and adding long-lasting beauty to your garden. Some examples of perennial flowers that hummingbirds love include bee balms, which come in vibrant shades of red, pink, and purple, and have tubular flowers that are irresistible to these tiny birds. Columbines are another perennial favorite, with their delicate, bell-shaped flowers that come in a range of colors. Daylilies, with their trumpet-shaped blooms, and lupines, with their tall spikes of flowers, are also excellent choices.
Biennials, which have a two-year life cycle, can also attract hummingbirds to your garden. Foxgloves, for example, have tall spires of tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. Hollyhocks, with their large, showy flowers in various colors, are also popular with hummingbirds.
Annual flowers, which complete their life cycle in one year, can provide a burst of color and attract hummingbirds to your garden throughout the summer. Cleomes, also known as spider flowers, have unique, spidery blooms in shades of pink, white, and purple. Impatiens, with their bright, cheerful flowers in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, orange, and white, are another great choice. Petunias, available in countless varieties and colors, including shades of purple, pink, and red, are also highly attractive to hummingbirds.
In my personal experience, I have found that planting a variety of these flowers in my garden has led to frequent visits from hummingbirds. It’s important to note that hummingbirds have individual preferences, and what may attract them in one area may not be as appealing in another. Therefore, it can be beneficial to observe the native flowers that hummingbirds are naturally drawn to in your region and incorporate them into your garden.
If you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, opt for brightly-colored flowers with tubular shapes. Perennials such as bee balms, columbines, daylilies, and lupines, as well as biennials like foxgloves and hollyhocks, are excellent choices. Annual flowers such as cleomes, impatiens, and petunias also provide a continuous source of nectar throughout the summer. By incorporating these flowers into your garden, you can create a vibrant and enticing habitat for hummingbirds.
