Best Hanging Plants To Attract Hummingbirds

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How to attract hummingbirds to your garden?

Are you wondering how you can attract hummingbirds to your garden? One of the best ways to draw these adorable birds is by planting hanging plants. These plants can provide an abundance of nectar-rich flowers that will keep these birds coming back time and again. Read on to discover some great hanging plants that will lure those hummingbirds into your garden.

Hanging plants are a great solution

Hanging plants serve as one of the best solutions to bring hummingbirds to your garden. They are easy to maintain, colorful, scented, and provide ample shade during hot summer months. Additionally, compared to other garden plants, hanging ones don't consume much space in your garden. Here are some of the best hanging plants for attracting hummingbirds.

Best hanging plants for attracting hummingbirds

Fuchsia flowers

Fuchsia flowers are one of the most popular options when it comes to hanging plants. They come in a wide array of colors like red, pink, purple, and white, which help to attract hummingbirds. These delightful flowers bloom during summers, and you can decide to place them outdoors or indoors as they easily adapt. Besides attracting hummingbirds, fuchsia flowers would make a stunning addition to your garden.

Petunias

Petunias are another popular choice when it comes to hanging plants. They are loved by hummingbirds because of their trumpet-shaped flowers, which produce plenty of nectar. You can choose from a variety of colors ranging from pastel shades, bright oranges and yellows to delicate pinks, purples and reds.

Lantanas

Lantanas are one of the hardiest options when it comes to hanging plants. They are easy to grow, require minimal maintenance, and are drought-resistant. The brightly colored clusters on the top attract hummingbirds and other pollinators to your garden. Some of the common colors include pink, orange, red, purple, and white.

Salvias

If you're looking for long-lasting blooms, then salvias might be the perfect pick for you. There are over 900 species with varying flower and foliage colors. Red, scarlet, purple, blue, and pink are the commonly available hues. Salvias can reach 30-150 cm in height and spread to 90 to 180 cm across. Due to their rich and repeated blooming, these beauties are very attractive to hummingbirds.

Hummingbird-friendly plants to add to your garden

Apart from these hanging plants, there are several other hummingbird-friendly options that you can incorporate in your garden. Below are some examples:

Bee Balm (Monarda)

Bee balm produces nectar-filled blossoms that hummingbirds eagerly feed on. It is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 2 meters tall, with bright flowers ranging from red, pink, purple, or white. Bee Balm needs well-draining soil and minimal watering. An ideal location with partial shade offers perfect conditions for growth.

Columbine (Aquilegia sp.)

Columbines are a great addition to any garden due to their unique shape and stunning colors. They have been referred to as "gentle flowers" and look great regardless of where they are planted. These perennials come in many different varieties and colours, ranging from blues and purples to vibrant reds and pinks.

Cardinal flower (Lobelia)

The cardinal flower is a brilliant red flowering plant that attracts hummingbirds due to its tubular bright-red color flowers. Nonetheless, there are various other lobelia types that could attract our feathered friends to your garden. Lobelia grows in zones 2 to 9 and requires fertile, moist, and well-drained soils.

Hanging plants are a beautiful way to invite hummingbirds into your garden

By selecting the right assortment of hanging plants, you can create a backyard habitat that becomes home to a rich diversity of wildlife, from butterflies to hummingbirds. Hanging plants can provide shelter, food, and nesting materials to hummingbirds and other small creatures.

The selection of plants depends on your region and personal preference

When choosing "hummingbird friendly" plants, remember to select ones that do well in your area. Also, personal preference is key; going for colorful flowers, favored species should resonate with you, and be pleasing to the eye as your new friends flutter around.

FAQ

What is the best time of day to attract hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds feed all day long, but the best time to spot them is usually early in the morning or in the late afternoon.

Can you attract hummingbirds to an apartment balcony?

Yes, hummingbirds can be attracted to apartment balconies by providing them with ample food and installing bird feeders or hanging plants outside apartments.

What should I avoid planting if I want to attract hummingbirds?

Avoid using insecticides and neonicotinoids, which harm the insects that hummingbirds rely on for their diet.

What is the lifespan of a hummingbird plant?

That depends on the specific plant species. But most annual hummingbird-friendly flowers bloom for a period of four months.

Do shaded gardens attract hummingbirds?

Yes, shaded gardens can also draw hummingbirds since these birds prefer shady spots to rest on hot days.

Does color matter when choosing plants to attract hummingbirds?

Yes, hummingbirds are particularly drawn to red, purple, and pink flowers, but any brightly colored blooms will do the trick.

How often should I water my hanging hummingbird plants?

The watering frequency depends on the plant type and weather conditions. Generally, it's essential to monitor the moisture content of the soil frequently to know when to water your hanging plants.

What kind of soil do hummingbird plants need?

Hummingbird plants require fertile and well-draining soil. Ensure that your potting mix has excellent drainage properties owing to water retention that may potentially kill the plants.

Is it possible to attract hummingbirds with artificial nectar?

Yes, you can attract hummingbirds with artificial nectar such as sugar water, but it doesn't offer any nutritional value required for the birds' health.

If I attract hummingbirds, what other wildlife can I expect in my garden?

Attracting hummingbirds is likely to encourage other wildlife into your garden, including butterflies, bees, songbirds, and various pollinators.