Guide for Selecting Blooms That Entice Hummingbirds
Hangin' with Hummers: Inviting Hummingbirds into Your Yard
Ever dreamt of having a yard buzzing with tiny, vibrant flies that periodically take off in a flash of color? Enter hummingbirds, nature's miniature marvels, combining dazzling iridescent hues, lightning-fast wings, and gravity-defying flight, all while dishing out a dose of hope and joy. But how do you invite these pint-sized powerhouses into your backyard? Let's dive into the flowers these little gems can't resist!
For starters, it's essential to understand what tickles a hummingbird's fancy. Our all-access guide sieves through the green clutter to deliver the vital details straight from the world's hummingbird experts. So, buckle up, and get ready to create a hummingbird haven!
Fuel for Flight: Essential Nectar and Insects
If your aim is to beckon diverse local wildlife, including the dazzling hummers, the key lies in native plants. These are Mother Nature's choice, as they have evolved alongside local species and best meet their needs. Belting out a symphony of native plants in your garden is like rolling out the red carpet for hummingbirds, orchestrating a full-course nutritional extravaganza.
Many people assume that hummingbirds live off nectar alone, but that's a misconception. "The biggest misconception is that hummingbirds rely solely on nectar," says Mary Phillips, heading the National Wildlife Federation's Garden for Wildlife and Certified Wildlife Habitat programs. "80% of their nutrition comes from insects." A female adult can devour up to 2,000 insects daily, munching on a smorgasbord of choices ranging from aphids to mosquitoes, caterpillars, and insect eggs.
Blazing Red: Hummingbirds' Top Pick
Red is the clear victor when it comes to hummingbirds' favorite flower colors. It's no coincidence—their retinas have adapted to prefer crimson hues, with cooler tones falling by the wayside. "Unlike insect pollinators that rely on scent to find nectar and pollen, hummingbirds rely on their vision to discover nectar-rich colors," elaborates Phillips. "Many flowers that have evolved alongside hummingbird pollinators are red, as this color is highly appealing to them."
However, hummingbirds aren't dyed-in-the-wool redheads, and different colors can also pique their interest. After all, the quest for a nectar feast isn't limited to a specific hue. What truly matters are flowers' shapes and ease of access to their hidden nectar. So, while red flowers may be the stunner inviting hummingbirds to the dance, their other colorful counterparts may win them over as well.
Tubular Delights: Size Matters
While hummingbirds may enjoy sampling nectar from flowers in varying shapes, tubular blooms hold a special place in their hearts. These elongated, narrow flowers complement hummingbirds' delicate beaks and extendable tongues, granting them entry to the hidden, nectar-rich depths that other pollinators, like bees and butterflies, would struggle to reach. Such exclusive access not only ensures a competitive edge for hummingbirds but also encourages pollen transference, making them effective pollinators for tubular-flowered plants.
Phillips advises laying out an array of tubular blossoms at varying heights, transforming your garden into a veritable feast for hummingbirds. Common native single-trumpet flower shapes include trumpet vine and penstemon, with a myriad of varying-shaped flowers, such as bee balm, also joining the party.
Blossoms to Cherry-pick
Now that we've got the buzz on hummingbirds' preferred flower colors and shapes, let's learn about some of their favorite flowering plants.
Perennials:* Scarlet sage: A vibrant summer favorite with an abundance of red blooms.* Eastern columbine: A native wildflower boasting red-yellow blossoms.* Lobelia: Brilliant showy red blooms appearing in late summer.* Bee balm: A versatile, North American native attractive to various conditions.* Pink beardtongue: Delicate pink bells, a short-lived yet popular perennial.
Shrubs:* Manzanita: A diverse range of shrubs, groundcovers, and trees native to the West Coast.* California fuchsia: A ground-hugging, drought-tolerant subshrub gracing hummingbirds in Western regions.
Vines:* Cross vine: A vigorous, evergreen vine with red flowers with a yellow center or reversed.* Trumpet vine: A bold, climber with textured foliage and fiery orange-red blooms.* Coral honeysuckle: Flamboyant gold, orange, or red-burgundy flowers brightening spring to summer.
Rounding Out the Hummingbird Habitat
Beyond planting a plethora of hummingbird-friendly flowers, don't forget to supply water sources and boundaries for these aerial acrobats. "Hummingbirds need to bathe frequently and are drawn to moving or running water," Phillips advises. "Bubblers, fountains, and bird baths work well."
Phillips also recommends providing safe hiding spots for hummingbirds and the insects they require for sustenance. "Wooded areas, dense shrubs or grasses, evergreens, brush, logs, and vines make comfortable shelter for hummingbirds and their flying food sources."
One Final Note
When gardening during hummingbird season, be mindful of tiny, camouflaged nests in branches, and exercise caution when wielding pruners. Happy hummingbird gardening!
- "If you're a nature lover looking for a new approach to gardening, consider creating a hummingbird garden. By incorporating native plants that offer both nectar and insects, you can attract a diverse range of wildlife, including the vibrant hummingbird."
- "To truly make your garden a hummingbird haven, focus on planting tubular flowers, which hummingbirds find particularly appealing due to their narrow shape that fits perfectly with their extended tongues."
- "Don't forget to filter your home-and-garden lifestyle with an eco-conscious touch by opting for pollinator-friendly plants and taking time to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds you."
- "To establish a complete hummingbird garden, include a variety of hummingbird-favorite flowers, such as scarlet sage, Eastern columbine, lobelia, bee balm, pink beardtongue, manzanita, California fuchsia, cross vine, trumpet vine, and coral honeysuckle."
