7 Native Plants For Hummingbirds For Low Maintenance Blooms

Why Native Plants for Hummingbirds are a Must-Have in Your Garden

While exotic plants may be unique and showy, there’s no guarantee that they will thrive in your region. Nor is it certain that the nectar their flowers provide will attract local birds, including hummingbirds. But native plants for hummingbirds will delight your avian guests – while thriving in conditions best suited to their growth habit and flowering potential. They have thrived for years in the climate and soil conditions your neighborhood offers, and local hummers have evolved with them. There are many native plants, each with enticing qualities. But some are better than others when it comes to attracting hummingbirds. Be sure to select plants that bloom throughout the hummingbird season and cater to their preferences while also working in harmony with your garden in a low-maintenance planting scheme.

Understanding the Needs of Hummingbirds

To attract hummingbirds to your garden, you need to understand their needs. Hummingbirds require a constant source of nectar, which they extract from flowers using their long, extendable tongues. They are attracted to flowers with long, tube-shaped structures that allow them to access the nectar easily. Hummingbirds also require a source of protein, which they obtain from insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. In addition, they need a safe place to perch and roost, as well as a source of water for drinking and bathing.

Choosing the Right Native Plants for Hummingbirds

When selecting native plants for hummingbirds, look for species that are known to attract these birds. Some of the best native plants for hummingbirds include:

1. Trumpet Honeysuckle

Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is a twining perennial vine native to the southeastern United States. It is also called coral honeysuckle and woodbine. This vine leafs out early in spring and grows rapidly, producing big, nectar-rich flowers. These are most often bright red or orange and bloom from early spring to fall. The plant provides three months or more of food for hummers. Trumpet honeysuckle is one of the best native plants for hummingbirds. Plant it with a trellis or other support structure so that hummers can get to the flowers easily. The more sun the vine gets, the more flowers it produces. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-9.

2. Manzanita

Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.) grows wild in western North America, especially in chaparral, oak woodlands, and coniferous forests. These shrubs are wonderful hummingbird native plants, since they bloom well before other plants. They flower from late winter to early spring, offering a crucial nectar source when other food for pollinators is scarce. The flowers of manzanita plants are small and urn-shaped, providing ample nectar to attract hummingbirds. There are many species in different sizes and shapes, all of them drought-tolerant. They also offer eye candy to the gardener with their lovely foliage and peeling bark. They thrive in USDA hardiness zones 8-10.

3. Penstemon

You may know this attractive native plant (Penstemon spp.) as beardtongue. It produces bright tubular-shaped flowers, often in shades of red, pink or purple, which are very attractive to hummingbirds. All penstemon species attract hummingbirds, so you can pick one or two that appeal to you. For a pop of red, buy Penstemon ‘Husker Red’ as live plants from Burpee. You’ll find varieties that thrive across many hardiness zones, but all require full sun locations. They bloom early, and are an early-season source of nectar, but some varieties also rebloom deep into summer. These perennials for pollinators thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.

4. Salvia

Salvia (Salvia spp.) is a large genus with many diverse species, so you are sure to find something that fits in your ecosystem. Native varieties produce the most nectar and will please more hummers. A hummingbird’s tongue is long – it can extend twice the length of its bill – and is tailor-made for the tube-shaped salvia flowers. Planting a salvia variety will provide food for hummers throughout the growing season. Some popular varieties include ‘Blue Hill’ and ‘May Night’, which thrive in USDA hardiness zones 4-9.

Growing Native Plants for Hummingbirds in Your Garden

Growing native plants for hummingbirds is easier than you think. Here are some tips to get you started:

Plant Selection

When selecting plants for your garden, choose species that are native to your region. This will ensure that they thrive in your climate and soil conditions. Some popular native plants for hummingbirds include:

• Trumpet honeysuckle
• Manzanita
• Penstemon
• Salvia
• Columbine

Soil and Sunlight

Hummingbirds prefer well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Make sure to choose plants that fit these conditions in your garden.

Planting

Plant your native plants in the fall or early spring, depending on your region’s climate. Plant them in well-draining soil and water thoroughly after planting.

Maintenance

Native plants for hummingbirds are low-maintenance, but they still require some care. Deadhead flowers regularly to encourage more blooms, and prune plants in the fall to maintain their shape.

Adding a Hummingbird Feeder to Your Garden

While native plants are the best way to attract hummingbirds, adding a hummingbird feeder can provide an additional source of nectar and attract more birds to your garden. The Birdfy Hummingbird Feeder with Camera lets you enjoy visiting hummingbirds with HD footage and real-time notifications.

Conclusion

Native plants for hummingbirds are a must-have in any garden. They provide a source of nectar and attract these beautiful birds to your yard. By choosing the right plants and providing the right conditions, you can create a haven for hummingbirds and enjoy the beauty of these amazing creatures.