10 Perennials Hummingbirds Will Love In Your Garden

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Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures, and there's no better way to attract them into your garden than by planting perennials that they love. Not only do hummingbirds add a sense of beauty to your garden, but they're also great pollinators. This post will cover everything you need to know about planting perennials that will attract hummingbirds.

Why plant perennials that attract hummingbirds?

Attracting hummingbirds can enhance the natural beauty of your garden. Watching hummingbirds feed on your flowers is an absolute delight. Moreover, hummingbirds are excellent pollinators, which can help other plants in the garden. So, if you want to create a buzzing paradise with exquisite visitors, planting hummingbird-loving plants is the way to go.

Benefits of hummingbirds in the garden

In addition to their appeal as attractive guests, hummingbirds offer several benefits to your garden. Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar, and when they eat, they pick up pollen on their feathers and bills. They then transfer this pollen to other flowers as they move from plant to plant. Hence, their presence encourages flowering plants to produce more fruits and seeds.

Top 10 perennial flowers for hummingbirds

There are multiple options for selecting which colorful plants to grow in your gardens. Here are the top ten perennials that are guaranteed to attract and fascinate hummingbirds:

Why choose Bee Balm?

Bee Balm is easy to care for and thrives in most soil types, making it a perfect fit for almost any garden. With its vibrant, reddish-pink blooms resembling a frizzy haircut, bee balm has just the right amount of splashy color to entice any hummingbird. While its perfect season is summer, it's also possible to grow well into autumn as well.

What type of soil does it need?

Bee Balm prefers media that are slightly acidic or at a neutral pH range. That said, most soils are generally nutrient-rich and retain moisture easily, making them an ideal medium to plant this perennial. Add organic substance such as compost to roost up the topsoil for saturating the soil even better.

Why choose Foxglove?

Foxgloves have striking colors in white, pink and purple, which are enticing to hummingbirds & create a chic cottage-garden vibe. This fantastic flower's tubular shape provides easy access for their elongated bills. They are also deer-resistant but might be poisonous, so ensure these are planted away from children or pets.

What type of light does it need?

Foxgloves best perform in partially or heavily shaded areas, though they prosper in full sunlight provided there is enough moisture. It is important to shelter young foxglove plants from direct sun rays, keeping the soil moist since drought or heatwaves will lead to plant death.

Why choose Cardinal Flower?

The Cardinal Flower is a stunning red, fiery-colored flower that attracts hummingbirds like no other! The spread-out petals allow for easier access to feeding stations for these tiny birds. This attractive flower flourishes well in partial shade but may need occasional watering during the summer months.

What type of soil does it need?

Being a bit demanding to cultivate, Cardinal Flowers best grow in soils that are moist but well-drained, moisture being the most vital component. An adequately structured, water-retentive soil would prevent any dampness issues.

Why choose Black-Eyed Susan?

Holding the sturdy stalks, they proliferate as if they’re carefree & inviting visitors through their warm yellow tones, reflective brown center, and rugged leaves. Hummingbirds love how simple it is to land on their flat, open petals. These perennials perform well in hot weather and might even do better than expected after storms.

What type of light does it need?

These flowers need full exposure to sunlight all day long to thrive. They require consistent watering during very hot, dry spells.

Why choose Salvia?

Salvias bloom in July and last until the end of October, which coincides with the peak season for hummingbirds. This interesting plant boasts lovely foliage & intense colors of white, red, pink and purple, attracting pollinators & garden admirers alike.

What type of soil does it need?

Salvias like slightly acidic soil, preferably with ample space for water retention. Adding organic compost or other soil improvers can help make the perfect conditions to promote growth.

Why choose Lupine?

With its striking spike of color in shades of blue, pink, purple and red, this majestic and aromatic blossom's tall structure enables hummingbirds to effectively look inside for nectar. Lupines would look incredible when mass planted or accentuated in pots, especially as cut flowers.

What type of light does it need?

Lupines prefer a sunny climate; still, they will happily also grow well in partial shade, as long as the soil is well-nourished and stays moist.

Why choose Penstemon?

Since the buds are slender and prolong themselves on tall stems, hummingbirds can quickly douse into them to extract sweet nectar from a distance. Hummingbirds seem to prefer the pink or red Penstemon varieties, making it a perfect fit for your garden.

What types of soils do perennials that attract hummingbirds grow best in?

Be liberal if you want these pretty plants to thrive: select a soil medium that drains well and has ample room for nutrients. If possible, seek to cultivate flower beds with abundant organic (compost) matter to promote vigor & longevity.

Why choose Columbine?

Columbine's bell-like appearance with spurs at the back makes it an exceptional attraction for hummingbirds. Also, their coloring is strikingly beautiful, ranging from blue, purple, red, white, and pink. In addition, their spreading blue-green foliage opens to five-petalled blooms, further enhancing the aesthetic appeal.

What type of light does it need?

Partial sunlight is ideal for getting peak color and health, while full sunshine could cause leaves & florets to wilt. It’s essential to keep them hydrated.

Why choose Yarrow?

These flat, round blooms come in an array of colors like red, yellow, orange, pink, and white, making them popular with hummingbirds. They are a low-maintenance garden addition with lovely foliage that also attracts beneficial insects like lacewings and ladybugs.

What type of soil does it need?

Yarrow prospers in nutrient-deficient soils exposed to sunlight; don't add humus or compost to the topsoil for successful growth. Make sure that the potted plants get plenty of drainage.

Why choose Daylily?

Hummingbirds are known to love daylilies' trumpet-shaped blooms, which are available in an assortment of vibrant hues, including yellow, coral, and red. This easy-to-grow plant can thrive in almost any soil, making it ideal for beginner gardeners.

What type of light does it need?

While they prefer full sun exposure, some varieties will accept shade. Still, this may reduce the abundance of blooming in the summer, especially if they do not perceive enough rainfall.

Planting perennials that attract hummingbirds is a delightful way to invite these beautiful creatures into your garden. Not only will you enjoy their presence, but you'll also be doing your bit for the planet by providing habitats and food sources for these little aerial acrobats. Remember to provide water, such as birdbaths or misters, besides pollen-rich flowers and shrubs.

FAQ

What other types of plants can attract hummingbirds?

Other plants that attract hummingbirds include butterfly bushes, Mexican sunflowers, snapdragons, and cardinal vines.

Do hummingbirds prefer certain colors of flowers?

Hummingbirds tend to favour red, orange, and pink flowers, making it the premier color.

When is the best time to plant perennials for hummingbirds?

Late winter or early spring is generally the best time of year to plant perennials. This will allow them to develop a strong root system before going into dormancy over winter.

What types of soil do perennials that attract hummingbirds grow best in?

Most perennials that attract hummingbirds prefer well-drained soils rich in organic matter.

How often should I water my hummingbird-friendly plants?

Water your plants whenever the soil appears dry at a depth of one inch. However, avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.

What can I do to make my garden more attractive to hummingbirds?

Aside from planting hummingbird-friendly flowers, add a hummingbird feeder with a sugar solution to supplement their diet.

Can I grow perennials that attract hummingbirds in containers?

Yes! Perennials that attract hummingbirds can thrive in containers, provided they have excellent drainage and are planted in nutrient-rich soil.

Will planting perennials that attract hummingbirds also attract bees and butterflies?

Yes! In addition to attracting hummingbirds, these perennials will attract bees and butterflies to your garden.

What types of hummingbirds commonly visit gardens with these perennials?

Hummingbirds love many types of flowers, so you may see different species depending on where you live. Some common ones include ruby-throated hummingbirds, Anna's hummingbirds, and black-chinned hummingbirds.

Can I still have a hummingbird-friendly garden if I live in an area without wild hummingbirds?

Absolutely! Even if you don't have hummingbirds in your area, planting hummingbird-friendly flowers can still add beauty and value to your garden while helping pollinators like bees and butterflies thrive.