Top Ten Blossoms That Captivate Hummingbirds
In the heart of summer, gardens come alive with the vibrant colours and sweet scents of blooming flowers. But for those seeking to attract something truly magical, a hummingbird hotspot is the ultimate goal. Here's a guide to the top flowers that will turn your garden into a hummingbird haven.
The Butterfly Bush, with its large, fragrant flowers, is a showstopper in any garden, attracting both butterflies and hummingbirds. This showy plant delights with a long season of blooming from June or July right through to fall.
Petunias, with their trumpet-shaped, fragrant blooms in various colours, provide a good nectar source for hummingbirds. They are a reliable choice for attracting these enchanting birds.
Red Salvia, known for its vibrant red colour and tubular flowers, is another low-maintenance and drought-tolerant option. It's particularly attractive for hummingbirds due to its rich nectar content.
Morning Glory, a fast-growing vine with trumpet-shaped blooms, is an excellent choice for those looking to create vertical interest in their garden. These flowers are also favoured by hummingbirds.
Bee Balm (Monarda) is a perennial known for its nectar-rich tubular flowers. It's a favourite among hummingbirds and adds a touch of beauty to any garden.
The Trumpet Vine, a native vine with large, bright trumpet-shaped flowers, is ideal for hummingbirds. Its vibrant blooms are a spectacle in any garden.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is noted for its intense red tubular flowers, making it a hummingbird's dream. This plant blooms from midsummer until the first frost, providing a continuous food source for these birds.
Fuchsia, a shade-tolerant flower with tubular shapes in red and orange hues, is another hummingbird favourite. These flowers, especially when displayed in hanging baskets, shine brightly in any garden.
Penstemon, with its tubular and colourful flowers, is rich in nectar and appealing throughout the season. It's a great addition to any hummingbird garden.
Lupines, with their tall, clustered tubular blossoms, provide nectar and add vertical interest to your garden. They are another reliable choice for attracting hummingbirds.
Columbines, biennials with distinct tubular flowers, draw hummingbirds effectively. They add a touch of elegance to any garden and are a great choice for those seeking to attract these enchanting birds.
Additional flowers often favoured by hummingbirds include trumpet honeysuckle, coral bells, and red buckeye. These all share the traits hummingbirds seek: tubular shape and high nectar content, often in warm, vivid colours.
Delphiniums, also known as Larkspur, are tall, colourful flowers that attract hummingbirds with their tall flower spikes. Zinnias offer a rewarding gardening experience, brightening up any space and attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators with their vivid colours.
Lantana, with its vibrant mixes of yellow and purple flowers, is a hummingbird favourite. This tough plant can handle dry spells and needs at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.
Growing foxglove is straightforward, and these plants can reach impressive heights of up to 5 feet. They have elegant tubular flowers that are perfectly shaped for hummingbirds to sip their nectar.
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) has large, flat blossoms that are a magnet for hummingbirds due to their sweet nectar. These flowers not only beautify your garden but also attract tiny insects that hummingbirds feast on.
Sunflowers are a gardener's delight, easy to grow from seeds, and provide late-season food for hummingbirds. They are a wonderful addition to any garden, offering both beauty and a food source for these enchanting birds.
By selecting tube-shaped, bright-colored, nectar-rich flowers like these, you can reliably attract hummingbirds to your garden. Planting a variety that blooms over an extended period ensures continuous feeding opportunities for these birds, turning your garden into a hummingbird hotspot.
The Butterfly Bush, with its nectar-rich, large flowers, is a home-and-garden choice that encourages the arrival of hummingbirds. Petunias, which offer trumpet-shaped, fragrant blooms, also provide a good nectar source and are a favourite among hummingbirds, making them ideal for a lifestyle that includes gardening for these enchanting birds.
