Explore the world of hummingbirds! These tiny aviators are not just a delight to watch but also play a crucial role in pollination. Did you know the secret to attracting these fascinating creatures to your garden lies in the plants you choose? Yes, native plants are the ultimate allure for hummingbirds.
Hummingbirds use both vision and taste when seeking out food sources. They are attracted to bright colors, especially red and orange, as these colors typically indicate a high-sugar food source¹.
With their bright colors and rich nectar, these plants are like magnets to hummingbirds. Let’s look into the top native plants that promise to turn your garden into a hummingbird paradise.
1. Trumpet Creeper (Campsis Radicans)
The Trumpet Creeper, with its vibrant orange blooms, is a feast for the eyes and the hummingbirds. This plant grows vigorously and can cover fences or trellises, creating a stunning backdrop for your garden.
Hummingbirds cannot resist the trumpet-shaped flowers, drawn to their deep wells of nectar. This creeper not only adds beauty to your garden but also ensures a lively dance of hummingbirds all around.
2. Beebalm or Oswego Tea (Monarda Didyma)
Beebalm is a true show-stopper with its bright red, pink, or purple flowers. This plant is known for its irresistible fragrance and is a favorite among gardeners and hummingbirds alike.
The tubular shape of Beebalm flowers provides the perfect sipping spot for hummingbirds. Planting Beebalm guarantees a colorful and vibrant garden teeming with life.
3. Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera Sempervirens)
The Trumpet Honeysuckle is another gem, boasting long, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Its sweet nectar is a hummingbird magnet.
Unlike its invasive cousin, the Japanese Honeysuckle, this native variety is both beautiful and beneficial. It provides sustenance for hummingbirds without harming the local ecosystem.
4. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia Cardinalis)
Named for its striking red flowers that resemble a cardinal’s robe, this plant is a must-have for any hummingbird garden. The Cardinal Flower thrives in moist, well-drained soil and can brighten up any shady corner of your garden.
Its tubular flowers are perfectly adapted for hummingbird feeding, making it a top choice for these nectar-seeking flyers.
5. Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens Capensis)
Spotted Jewelweed, with its orange, speckled flowers, is a native beauty that thrives in wetter areas. It’s an excellent choice for gardeners looking to create a natural, woodland-style garden.
Hummingbirds are drawn to its nectar-rich blooms, and its seeds provide food for local bird species, enhancing your garden’s biodiversity.
6. Red Columbine (Aquilegia Canadense)
Red Columbine, with its unique, delicate red and yellow flowers, brings an air of whimsy to the garden. This plant prefers partial shade and well-drained soil, making it versatile for different garden spots.
Its nectar-rich spurs are irresistible to hummingbirds, who are often seen hovering around these blooms in the spring.
7. Canada Lily (Lilium Canadense)
The Canada Lily is a stunning addition to any garden, with its tall stems and bright yellow or orange, trumpet-shaped flowers. This plant is a sight to behold when in full bloom and is a hummingbird favorite.
Positioned well, a group of these lilies can act as a focal point in your garden, attracting both admiring glances and eager hummingbirds.
8. Indian Pink (Spigelia Marilandica)
Indian Pink’s striking red and yellow flowers are not only beautiful but also a powerful attractant for hummingbirds. This plant prefers part shade to full sun and offers a dazzling display of color in early summer.
The tubular flowers are a perfect fit for hummingbirds, making it a valuable plant for boosting garden biodiversity.
9. Red Buckeye (Aesculus Pavia)
The Red Buckeye is a shrub that provides spectacular red flowers, which stand out brilliantly against its dark green leaves. This plant is particularly beloved by male hummingbirds, who use it as a source of nectar early in the season.
Easy to grow and maintain, the Red Buckeye can serve as a stunning centerpiece in your hummingbird garden.
10. Mountain Rosebay or Catawba Rhododendron (Rhododendron Catawbiense)
This large shrub promises big clusters of purple flowers, making it an appealing choice for any garden. The Mountain Rosebay thrives in cooler climates and prefers shaded areas, adding a touch of elegance to your garden.
Its large blooms provide ample nectar for hummingbirds, ensuring they’ll return to your garden year after year.
11. Crossvine (Bignonia Capreolata)
Crossvine features striking trumpet-shaped flowers that range in color from yellow to bright orange, creating a breathtaking display. This vigorous climber can cover walls or fences, providing a vibrant backdrop.
Hummingbirds are especially fond of its nectar, making Crossvine a top pick for those looking to attract these birds.
12. Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia Siphilitica)
With its spires of blue flowers, the Great Blue Lobelia is a serene addition to any garden. This plant prefers moist soil and partial shade, making it ideal for more tranquil garden sections.
Though it may seem unassuming, its flowers are a favorite among hummingbirds, offering a source of nectar late into the season.
13. Cobwebby Thistle (Cirsium Occidentale)
Don’t let the name fool you; the Cobwebby Thistle is a native plant that produces striking purple flowers with a unique, web-like texture. It’s an unexpected addition that brings both beauty and wildlife to your garden.
This thistle is particularly appealing to hummingbirds for its abundant nectar, proving that even the prickliest plants have their charm.
14. Orange Honeysuckle (Lonicera Ciliosa)
Ending our list is the Orange Honeysuckle, a climbing vine with beautiful, trumpet-shaped orange flowers. This vine is less aggressive than some honeysuckle varieties, making it a perfect choice for gardeners who love climbers.
The sweet, fragrant nectar of the Orange Honeysuckle is irresistible to hummingbirds, making it a delightful sight in any garden.
Integrating these native plants into your garden not only promotes local biodiversity. It also creates a hummingbird haven right in your backyard. By choosing these native plants, you’re guaranteed a lively and colorful garden bustling with life.
Sources:
- https://grownative.org/learn/native-for-wildlife/nectar-rich-natives-for-hummingbirds/
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.