Hummingbirds are captivating garden visitors, recognized by their iridescent plumage and characteristic hovering flight. These tiny birds have an exceptionally high metabolism, requiring them to consume vast amounts of energy. They must feed nearly constantly, making them highly dependent on reliable sources of high-sugar nectar. Creating an environment that meets these intense energy demands is the most effective way to attract and keep these unique pollinators. This guide provides information on selecting the best plants and establishing a comprehensive habitat for these remarkable flyers.
The Biological Basis for Plant Attraction
A hummingbird’s attraction to certain flowers is rooted in a specialized biology that dictates their foraging behavior. Unlike most insects, hummingbirds have a visual spectrum that extends into the ultraviolet range and a strong sensitivity to specific colors, especially those on the warmer end of the spectrum. This allows them to quickly spot flowers that have co-evolved to be pollinated by birds rather than insects. Their long, slender bills and extendable tongues are uniquely adapted to access nectar deep inside tubular-shaped flowers.
This elongated floral structure effectively excludes most insect competitors, such as bees, ensuring the nectar reward is primarily available to the hummingbird. The nectar must be concentrated, containing a high percentage of sucrose that the hummingbird’s digestive system can rapidly convert into fuel. This constant need for a high-sugar diet means they focus on the most calorically rewarding blooms. Their energy expenditure, especially while hovering, demands a continuous supply of this easily digestible energy source.
Top Nectar-Rich Plant Recommendations
A successful hummingbird garden relies on a mix of plant types to provide a continuous nectar supply throughout the growing season. Annual plants offer quick, reliable color and nectar production, proving useful for attracting migrating birds. Fuchsia species, with their pendulous, tubular flowers, are excellent choices, thriving in part-shade conditions. The annual Salvia coccinea (Scarlet Sage) also provides long-lasting, vibrant red blooms and attracts these birds in full sun or light shade.
Perennials form the long-term backbone of the habitat, returning reliably each year with minimal effort. The Salvia genus is considered one of the best for hummingbirds, with varieties like Salvia guaranitica (‘Black and Blue’) offering striking blue flowers that bloom continuously until frost. Another popular perennial is Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), whose clustered, tubular florets are perfect for the hummingbird’s bill and prefer full sun to partial shade with moist soil.
Incorporating native plants is a sustainable and effective strategy, as they have evolved alongside local hummingbird species to offer the most suitable nectar. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a native perennial known for its intense scarlet color and long bloom spikes, thriving in moist areas and partial sun. Another excellent native choice is Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans), a robust woody vine that produces large, orange-to-red trumpet-shaped flowers in full sun, though its vigorous nature requires careful placement.
Establishing a Complete Hummingbird Habitat
While nectar-rich plants are the primary food source, a comprehensive habitat requires providing water, shelter, and protein. Hummingbirds supplement nectar (carbohydrates) with small insects like gnats, spiders, and aphids, which provide essential protein, fats, and minerals. This reliance on insects means that maintaining a pesticide-free environment is paramount for their health and the nutrition of their young. Systemic neonicotinoid pesticides are particularly harmful, as the chemicals contaminate the nectar, disrupting the bird’s metabolism and foraging efficiency.
Feeders can serve as a supplementary food source, especially during migration or periods of low bloom. The solution should strictly be a mixture of one part refined white granulated sugar to four parts water, mimicking the natural sugar concentration of floral nectar. Avoid using red dye, honey, or unrefined sugars, as these can be detrimental to the birds’ health. Feeders must be cleaned frequently, ideally every two to three days in warm weather, to prevent the growth of harmful mold and bacteria.
Hummingbirds require adequate shelter and safe perching spots for resting and watching for predators. Dense shrubs, small trees, and sturdy dried plant stalks provide necessary cover and lookout points near their feeding areas.
For bathing, hummingbirds typically avoid deep, standing water and instead prefer to fly through fine mist or rub against wet leaves. Providing a garden mister or a dripper positioned over foliage or a shallow stone is an excellent way to offer a safe and attractive water source.