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In this article we will look at a list of 15 types of flowering plants best suited to encourage hummingbirds and other pollinators into your garden. We will have the aid of pictures for identification. We will also get some background on how the hummingbird feeds.
The importance of Hummingbirds beaks
It was once thought that hummingbirds sucked up the nectar of flowers, almost like a straw. However scientists have now discovered that the shape and length of the beak is far more important than first thought. The beak length and shape enables them to gain access to long tubular shaped flowers which have few insects that are able gain entry. The next important factor is their tongue. The length of their tongues are around twice the length of their beaks and when retracted it winds around its skull. When it’s being used the ends of the tongue are forked, and have little hair-like structures called lamellae; these along with the forked ends help trap the nectar until it reaches the mouth. It is then with their long tongues they are able to lap up the contents of the nectar, and not suck it up. They can flick their tongue back around 20 times each second, they can feed up to 8 times each hour.
What flower plants should I plant?
Firstly it is better to plant native species to your particular area, as these will be familiar to the hummingbirds. It is true they like brightly coloured, long tubular flowers as these sometimes produce the most nectar, however they will go to other flowers also.
Here is a list of 15 different flowering plants that have been proven to be popular with hummingbirds.
Jewelweed ( Impatiens capensis)
As you can see from the picture this does have a tubular like flower. The plant itself is considered an easy plant to grow. If they are seeded together they will grow higher
And this will then attract the hummingbird as it will be safe from predators.
Plant information;
Self seeding annual
Plant in; full sun to shade (grows better in the sun)
Flowers; late spring – early fall
Size; 3-5ft
Red Buckeye (Aesculus Pavia)
As the picture above shows the Red Buckeye is another brightly coloured and even more tubular shaped than the previous plant.
Plant information;
Perennial
Plant in; Part shade
Flowers; March – May
Size; 10-40ft
Scarlet Sage (Salvia spendens)
The Scarlet Sage as above have long lasting tubular flowers which attract not only hummingbirds but other pollinators such as butterflies.
Plant information;
Perennial but can but grown as annual in colder climes
Plant in; full sun / partial shade
Flowers; Spring to fall
Size; 2-4ft tall
Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera Sempervirens)
The picture above is of Coral honeysuckle, another plant with beautiful coloured and tubular shaped flowers. However unlike most honeysuckles the flowers on this variety have no fragrance, but the nectar produced is very sweet.
Plant information;
Evergreen perennial vine
Plant in; full sun / shade
Flowers; Spring – throughout summer
Size; 15-20 ft tall 15-25ft wide
Bee Balm (Monarda)
As its name suggests the Bee balm plant will attract bees but as you can see from the above picture it also draws hummingbirds. It is also known as wild bergamot and has fragrant foliage as well as flowers.
Plant information;
Perennial
Plant in; full sun / shade
Flowers in; summertime
Size; 2-4ft high
Buddleia (Buddleja)
The buddleia or the butterfly bush as it is also known, is a prolific self seeding plant which attracts as its name suggests butterflies and also bees, hummingbirds and other pollinators. Sometimes you can hear many bees at one time, the hum can be quite loud.
Plant information;
Perennial semi ever-green plant
Plant in; requires at least 6hrs of sun
Flowers in; late summer – fall
Size; 8-10ft tall
Beardtongue (Penstemon)
The above plant is another tubular flowering plant which is loved by most pollinators including hummingbirds. It comes in various colours and produces lovely nectar.
Plant information;
Herbaceous Perennial
Plant in; best in full sun
Flowers in; May to August
Size; 1-3ft tall
Columbine (Aquilegia spp)
Hummingbirds are attracted to the eastern red Columbine as shown in the picture above. They have bell shaped flowers and have been known as Granny’s bonnets and are a garden favourite.
Plant information;
Perennials
Plant in; Partial shade
Flower in; late spring to early summer
Size; 3ft tall
Cardinal Flower (Labelia Cardinalis)
The cardinal flower as seen above is as red as its names suggest, a bright and attractive tubular shaped flowering plant and is known to attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Plant information;
Perennial
Plant in; Morning Sun – Afternoon shade, unless cooler climes they will require full sun
Flowers in; July – September
Size; 2-4ft tall, 1-2ft wide
Salvia (salvia spp)
There are a number of varieties of Salvia, the one above is black and blue salvia, which is about to be enjoyed by a female ruby throated hummingbird.
Plant information;
Annuals, Bi annuals and perennial herbaceous
Plant in; sunny aspect
Flower in; late spring to early summer
Size; 12-24 inches
Trumpet Creeper (Campsis Radicans)
The Trumpet creeper is a fast growing perennial vine and has, like its name suggests, trumpet shaped flowers. The flowers are very fragrant and draw both hummingbirds and butterflies.
Plant information;
Perennial
Plant in; Partial to full sun
Flowers in; summer
Size; can have stems up to 30ft long
Lupine (Lupinus x hybridus)
The lupines attract so many pollinators such as bees as seen above, butterflies and hummingbirds. They come in a variety of colours and are annuals and perennials and are a firm garden favourite.
Plant information;
Annual & Perennial
Plant in; Full sun
Flower in; Late spring – Mid summer
Size; 3-4ft tall
Zinnia (Zinnia spp)
The plant above, a variety of Zinnia, has attracted a butterfly; they also attract other pollinators such as hummingbirds. They come in a range of bright colours.
Plant information;
Annuals
Plant in; Full sun
Flower in; June to fall
Size; Varies according to variety
Petunia
The above petunia is being visited by a hummingbird hawk moth, what a beautiful sight. Other pollinators such as bees, butterflies and even hummingbirds themselves will visit these colourful flowers. The plants are very easy to grow and if dead headed will flower for a long time.
Plant information;
Perennials
Plant in: full sun / part shade if too hot
Flower in: Summer to Autumn
Size; 6-18 inches
Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia Siphitica)
The last plant in my list is the Great Blue Lobelia, as in the above picture. This plant has trumpet-like flowers which attract many pollinators including hummingbirds.
Plant information;
Perennial
Plant in; sun or semi shade
Flowers in; Mid summer
Size; 2-3ft tall
In summary;
I hope you have found this article on flowers that draw hummingbirds interesting and helpful. This list included 15 different types of flowering plants which in the main are easy to grow and maintain. There is also information on the area to plant, the time of flowering and the size. So all you have to do now is to decide which you would like in your garden and get planting to attract those pollinators and mainly the hummingbirds, good luck.