Here are 5 plants that will bring hummingbirds to your garden or patio:
1. California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum)
A low-growing evergreen shrub native to the southwestern US. It is adorned with gray-green leaves and trumpet-shaped red flowers blooming in late summer. They produce nectar which attracts hummingbirds.
They will also feed on the flowers at the beginning of their southward migration. The plant releases seeds after the flower matures fully. It is perfect for gravel gardens and raised beds. It propagates by seeds and softwood cuttings. Fuchsia is ideal for groundcover because it is low-growing and requires little pruning. It matures at 1-2ft tall and 2-3ft wide.
- Thrives in full sunlight.
- Grows well in well-drained, medium-moisture soils. It is drought tolerant once established.
- USDA hardiness zones 8-11.
2. Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Cardinal flower is native to North America ad occurs naturally in woodlands and swampy areas. It has dark green foliage and clusters of tubular flowers that bloom from July into early fall. It is fast growing and flowers during the first year.
It is toxic to humans and pets. The flowers produce nectar that attracts hummingbirds. The Cardinal flower has several medicinal uses. Pruning is regularly needed to encourage new blooms. The flower propagates by seeds. The plant matures at 3-4ft tall and spreads 1-2ft wide.
- Thrives in full sunlight or partial shade.
- Grows well in moist, slightly acidic soils.
- USDA hardiness zones 2-9.
3. Bigleaf Lantana (Lantana camara)
This evergreen shrub is native to Central and South America. Lantanas bloom in late spring with clusters of white, yellow, orange, or red flowers. They attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
The flowers are followed by dark purple berries eaten by birds and small animals. It is good for growing along garden borders, sloppy areas, and containers. You should prune it regularly to encourage the sprouting of new buds. Lantanas can be harmful to pets, livestock and children. They are fast-growing and resilient in tough climatic conditions. The plant matures at 2-6ft tall and 3-10ft wide.
- Thrives in full sunlight.
- Grows well in average moisture, well-drained, slightly acidic soils.
- USDA hardiness zones 10-12.
4. Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.)
Daylilies are low-growing perennials with orange, red, white, pink, or yellow flowers that bloom during the spring or early summer. They can survive in tough climatic conditions and poor soils.
The flowers rise above the green foliage, making the plants a colorful addition to container gardens or meadows. Daylilies are native to Asia. Plant them in your garden to attract hummingbirds. All parts of the plant are edible to humans. In ideal growing conditions, daylilies will reach a height of 6ft.
Regular pruning is required to extend the blooming period. Combining different daylily varieties in your garden is important to ensure different color combinations and longer blooming periods.
- Thrive in full sunlight.
- Grow well in slightly acidic or neutral, well-drained soils.
- USDA hardiness zones 4-9.
5. Mexican Petunia (Ruellia brittoniana)
A perennial shrub native to Mexico and South America. It produces vibrant blue flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall. The flowers appear in clusters at the tips of stems, rising above the glossy green foliage. Petunias are tolerant of tough conditions.
They attract hummingbirds to your garden. They are colorful and add to the appeal of your garden when planted in containers and pots. This plant matures at 36 inches high and 18 inches wide. It propagates by stem cuttings and seeds.
- Thrives in full sunlight or partial shade.
- Grows well in medium moisture, well-drained soils. It can withstand wet and dry soils.
- USDA hardiness zones 8-10.
Using potted plants is a good way to attract birds to your yard. You can add any of the plants mentioned above and get some friendly birds to visit your garden. They are easy to grow, offer a range of benefits for birds, and can be found in nurseries. Plant species native to your area for the best benefit to local birds.
