Top 10 Blooms Enticing for Hummingbirds
Top 10 Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds: A Garden Guide
Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures, known for their vibrant colours and rapid flight. To attract these enchanting birds to your garden, consider planting flowers that offer nectar-rich, tubular-shaped blossoms. Here are the top 10 flowers commonly noted for attracting hummingbirds, along with reasons why they are a hit with these feathered friends.
- Bee Balm (Monarda)
- Produces abundant nectar in bright red, pink, or purple tubular flowers.
- Its square stems and clustered blooms make easy landing spots for hummingbirds.
- Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
- Bright red tubular flowers packed with nectar.
- The shape fits hummingbird beaks perfectly while limiting access to other pollinators.
- Salvia (Salvia spp.)
- Many species with tubular, nectar-rich flowers in red, purple, or blue.
- Long-lasting blooms provide continuous food sources for hummingbirds.
- Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
- Large, trumpet-shaped red or orange flowers rich in nectar.
- Its shape is ideal for the hummingbird's feeding method.
- Columbine (Aquilegia)
- Unique tubular flowers that come in red and other bright colours.
- Nectar is deep inside, requiring a long bill to reach, making it perfect for hummingbirds.
- Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
- Brightly coloured flowers with rich nectar.
- Flat-topped flowers also serve as landing platforms for hummingbirds.
- Lantana (Lantana camara)
- Clusters of small tubular orange, red, or yellow flowers.
- Continuous blooming throughout the season provides steady nectar for hummingbirds.
- Nasturtium (Tropaeolum)
- Tubular flowers often in red or orange.
- Easy for hummingbirds to probe and access nectar.
- Red Cypress Vine (Ipomoea quamoclit)
- Delicate, bright red tubular flowers known as a hummingbird magnet.
- Its foliage and shape make it highly attractive for hummingbirds.
- Firebush (Hamelia patens)
- Produces clusters of red-orange tubular flowers that bloom spring to frost.
- Fast-growing and a favourite in warmer climates for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
Why These Flowers Attract Hummingbirds
- Tubular shape: Matches the hummingbird’s long beak, allowing easy access to nectar while excluding many other insects.
- Nectar-rich: Provides the high-energy food hummingbirds need for their fast metabolism.
- Bright colours (especially red): Hummingbirds are highly attracted to certain colours, particularly red, which signals a good nectar source.
- Bloom timing and duration: Plants that bloom continuously provide reliable nectar throughout the hummingbird feeding season.
In addition to these top 10 flowers, other favourites include Rose of Sharon, Fuchsias, Cardinal Climber, Zinnias, Sunflowers, and more. By selecting a variety of these brightly coloured, tubular, nectar-rich flowers, you can ensure that your garden will attract hummingbirds effectively, providing a continuous food source and habitat for these delightful creatures.
- The Firebush (Hamelia patens) is a frequent choice for gardeners aiming to attract hummingbirds due to its production of red-orange tubular flowers that bloom from spring to frost, making it a favorite in warmer climates.
- The lifestyles of homeowners who enjoy gardening can be enhanced by the inclusion of certain flowers in their home-and-garden, such as the Lantana (Lantana camara), which offers clusters of small tubular orange, red, or yellow flowers that continuously bloom throughout the season, providing a steady nectar source for hummingbirds.
