Hanging Plants to Attract the Hummingbirds : Even if you have limited planting space, you can still create a haven for hummingbirds by growing vines that attract them. You may grow these colorful flowers on your patio, deck, or balcony using container gardening. Whether you choose to plant them in containers or directly in your garden, strategically position them where you can observe the hummingbirds as they flock to the nectar-filled flowers, enhancing your outdoor experience.
Understanding About Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are captivating creatures and a delightful reason to create a pollinator garden. Witness their mesmerizing mid-air maneuvers as they dart around, their wings fluttering at incredible speeds of thousands of times per minute!
These energetic birds require frequent feeding, visiting up to 2,000 flowers daily. By planting a mix of annuals, perennials, and flowering shrubs, you can provide a continuous supply of nectar from various sources throughout the season.
While hummingbirds have a preference for red, tubular-shaped flowers, they are known to sip nectar from various flower types and shapes. By planting a variety of flowers, you not only attract hummingbirds but also support a diverse range of beneficial insects and birds in your garden. It’s advisable to minimize the use of pesticides as much as possible. Hummingbirds chase flying insects and spiders, especially during the breeding season, even though their primary food source is nectar.
Since hummingbirds can be territorial, consider adding multiple hummingbird feeders across your garden to provide opportunities for all visitors to feed.
List of the Hanging Plants to Attract the Hummingbirds
1. Fuchsia
Pendulous, bell-shaped flowers in a plethora of vivid hues, including red, pink, purple, and white, are the hallmarks of fuchsia plants. Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to their tubular blooms, which offer a generous supply of nectar, making them a favorite in any hummingbird garden.
2. Petunia
Petunias are adaptable annuals that come in a range of hues and designs. Their trumpet-shaped flowers, especially those with single blooms, are irresistible to hummingbirds. Placing petunias in hanging baskets can provide a stunning display while attracting these tiny birds to your garden.
3. Lantana
A perennial that can withstand heat, lantana is prized for its clusters of tiny, vividly colored flowers. Because of the abundance of nectar in these blooms, butterflies and other pollinators are drawn to them along with hummingbirds. Lantana’s ability to thrive in hot, sunny conditions makes it a popular choice for hanging baskets in sunny locations.
4. Salvia
Salvias, also known as sage, are famous perennials valued for their long-lasting blooms and aromatic foliage. Hummingbirds are particularly attracted to varieties with tubular flowers, such as Mexican sage and scarlet sage. These plants not only give your yard beauty and scent, but they also serve as food for hummingbirds.
5. Trumpet Vine
Trumpet vine is a vigorous, fast-growing vine with clusters of orange, trumpet-shaped flowers. Its profuse blooms are highly attractive to hummingbirds, making it a popular choice for vertical gardening. However, due to its aggressive growth habit, it’s best planted in large containers to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably.
6. Honeysuckle
Hummingbirds find the fragrant, tubular blossoms of honeysuckle vines to be enticing due to their high nectar content. Varieties such as trumpet honeysuckle and coral honeysuckle are particularly well-suited for hanging baskets, where their cascading stems can create a beautiful display while attracting hummingbirds to your garden.
7. Columbine
The tiny, bell-shaped flowers of the beautiful perennial columbine come in a variety of colors. Hummingbirds love these unusual blossoms, which give hanging baskets a whimsical flair. Columbine’s ability to self-seed makes it a low-maintenance option for attracting hummingbirds to your garden year after year.
8. Nasturtium
Easy-to-grow annuals and nasturtiums have vivid trumpet-shaped flowers in peach, red, orange, and yellow tones. Hummingbirds and other pollinators find them appealing due to their spicy scent and tasty nectar. Nasturtiums can be planted in hanging baskets or allowed to trail over the edges of containers, providing a colorful display while attracting hummingbirds to your garden.
9. Cuphea
Cuphea, also known as cigar plant or firecracker plant, is a compact, evergreen perennial with tubular flowers that resemble small cigars. Hummingbirds are drawn to its profusion of blossoms, which also provide hanging baskets with a pop of color. Cuphea’s heat tolerance and drought resistance make it an excellent choice for hanging baskets in hot, sunny locations.
10. Hanging Lobelia
Hanging lobelia is a trailing annual with delicate, cascading stems and masses of small, tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. Its profuse blooms provide a rich source of nectar for hummingbirds and create a beautiful display in hanging baskets. Hanging lobelia’s trailing habit makes it an ideal choice for hanging baskets, window boxes, or containers, where it can attract hummingbirds while adding beauty and color to your garden.
When selecting hanging plants to attract hummingbirds, choose varieties with tubular or trumpet-shaped flowers that are rich in nectar and brightly colored to catch the attention of these tiny birds. By incorporating these 10 hanging plants into your garden or balcony, you can create an inviting habitat for hummingbirds while adding beauty and charm to your outdoor space.
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