A Guide to Creating a Garden that Attracts Hummingbirds

Creating a welcoming environment for hummingbirds involves strategic gardening and choosing the right native plants that attract hummingbirds. 

The Magic of Native Plants that Attract Hummingbirds

Native plants are crucial in attracting hummingbirds due to their specialized nectar and pollen, ideally suited to the birds' needs. Incorporating local native plants that attract hummingbirds into your landscaping is a surefire way to entice these winged wonders. Species like Bee Balm (Monarda spp.), with its vibrant red flowers, are particularly enticing, as these tiny birds are attracted to bright colors, especially red.

Top Tips for Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Environment

• Color Red: Hummingbirds are drawn to red, making red flowers an ideal choice to attract them.

• Maintenance: Regularly maintain your garden by pruning and deadheading to encourage continuous blooming and ensure a healthy habitat.

• Avoid Red Dye: Refrain from using red dye in hummingbird feeders, which can harm these birds*

• Ethical Practices: Create a safe, pesticide-free environment that promotes the well-being of hummingbirds and other wildlife.

Choosing Plants that Attract Hummingbirds and Creating Ideal Landscapes

When selecting plants, opt for tubular flowers, vibrant red blooms, and a continuous blooming cycle to ensure a steady supply of food sources for hummingbirds. Bee Balm, Cardinal Flower, and Trumpet Vine are fantastic choices that meet these criteria. Incorporate these plants into hanging baskets, garden beds, or pots to create hummingbird-friendly spots throughout your yard.

Make sure to consider the plants that are native to your area when planting to support hummingbirds. Here's a regional guide to get you started:

Northeastern United States: Supporting Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds

• Bee Balm (Monarda didyma): A vibrant red perennial loved by Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds. Plant it in partial shade for optimal growth and to attract these tiny birds to your Northeastern garden.

• Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): Thriving in moist soils, this red-blossomed plant is a Northeastern favorite for Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds.

Southeastern United States: Attracting Ruby-Throated and Rufous Hummingbirds

• Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens): A twining vine boasting clusters of tubular red flowers, perfect for both Ruby-Throated and Rufous Hummingbirds. It prefers sun to part shade.

• Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans): This vine's showy trumpet-shaped red blooms entice Ruby-Throated and Rufous Hummingbirds in the Southeast.

Western United States: Nurturing Anna's and Black-Chinned Hummingbirds

• Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea): Native to California, this low-growing perennial with red to pink flowers attracts Anna's Hummingbirds. It flourishes in full sun to part shade.

• Scarlet Bugler (Penstemon centranthifolius): Found in the Southwest, this penstemon's bright red tubular flowers are adored by Black-Chinned Hummingbirds.

Midwest United States: Appealing to Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds

• Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis): A woodland wildflower with red and yellow blooms beloved by Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds in the Midwest.

Pacific Northwest: Attracting Anna's and Rufous Hummingbirds

• Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis): Producing pink to red flowers, this native shrub is a hit with both Anna's and Rufous Hummingbirds in the Pacific Northwest.

• Red Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum): With clusters of pink to deep red flowers, this shrub entices Anna's and Rufous Hummingbirds in the Pacific Northwest.

Southeastern Canada: Catering to Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds

• Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): Flourishing in Southeastern Canada, this purple-pink flowered plant is irresistible to Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds.

By integrating these region-specific native plants that attract hummingbirds, your garden becomes a haven catering to diverse species while supporting local ecosystems. Embrace the beauty of these plants and their allure to these enchanting birds, cultivating a thriving habitat in your backyard.

Water Sources and Hummingbird Feeders

Apart from plants, providing a source of water is essential for attracting and sustaining birds. You can use a bird bath or a shallow dish with water and sugar to serve as a refreshing stop for birds. Additionally, using hummingbird feeders filled with a mixture of white sugar and water can attract and sustain hummingbirds. However, it's best to avoid using red dye in the mixture as it may contain additives that could harm hummingbirds. Research is still needed to fully understand the impacts of using red dye and determine if it's a conservation-friendly practice.

While most bird organizations recommend the use of sugar water, our focus here is on incorporating local, native plants that support the local ecosystem while attracting hummingbirds to your yard. Native plants offer an array of benefits beyond merely attracting hummingbirds. These plants provide a natural, sustainable food source of nectar and pollen that aligns perfectly with the birds' needs. Using a variety of trees and shrubs provides shelter, nesting sites, and additional food sources that hummingbirds love. Species like Bee Balm, Cardinal Flower, and Trumpet Vine have vibrant red blooms that attract hummingbirds while supporting the local ecosystem and promoting biodiversity.

Additional Benefits of Native Plants

Apart from being a safer and more sustainable food source for hummingbirds, native plants offer several advantages:

• Year-Round Support: Native plants with varying blooming periods ensure a continuous food source for hummingbirds throughout the seasons.

• Natural Habitat: Native plants provide nesting sites, shelter, and additional food sources for diverse wildlife.

• Ecosystem Preservation: Using native flora helps maintain the delicate balance of the local ecosystem and supports the survival of indigenous species.

Planting Tips and Locations:

• Optimal Conditions: Ensure partial shade and well-drained soil for Northeastern and Midwest gardens.

• Sun and Shade Mix: Southeastern and Western regions thrive with a balance of sun and shade.

• Moist Soil Preferences: Pacific Northwest plants favor moist, well-drained soil with partial shade.

To attract and keep hummingbirds in your garden, prioritize planting native plants. Offer bright colors, a variety of food sources, and water to create a thriving haven. Adopt hummingbird-friendly practices and witness your garden come alive with these enchanting creatures.

* The Cornell Lab of Ornithology advises against using red dye in hummingbird feeders as there is no evidence to support its safety.