10 Hummingbird Friendly Hanging Plants You Should Have in Your Garden
Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures that add beauty and charm to any garden. If you're looking for a way to attract these tiny birds to your outdoor space, hanging plants are an excellent option. In this post, we'll introduce you to the top 10 hummingbird-friendly hanging plants that will not only bring joy and delight to your heart but will also serve as an attractive food source for these feathered friends.
Benefits of having hummingbirds in your garden
Did you know that hummingbirds are one of the smallest birds in the world? And yet they have the fastest wing beats of any bird, with some species flapping their wings up to 80 times per second! These little birds are known for their striking colors, high metabolism, and their importance in pollinating flowers. By attracting hummingbirds to your garden, you can help maintain a healthy ecosystem while enjoying their beautiful presence.
Why hanging plants are a good choice for attracting hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are attracted to bright, colorful flowers, and hanging plants provide the perfect opportunity to showcase them. By placing these plants at eye level, you can create a stunning display that will grab the attention of passing hummingbirds. Additionally, hanging plants offer a space-saving solution for those with smaller gardens or balconies.
How to choose the best hanging basket plants for hummingbirds
When choosing hanging basket plants for hummingbirds, it's important to consider the plant's size, color, and nectar content. Opt for plants that are compact enough to fit comfortably in a basket but large enough to produce ample flowers. Choose flowers that are red or pink in color since these hues are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. Lastly, make sure the plant produces enough nectar since that's what these birds feed on primarily.
Top 10 Hummingbird Friendly Hanging Plants
Fuchsia: These beautiful hanging plants have bright, vibrant flowers that come in a range of colors such as pink, red, and purple. They produce ample nectar, which is attractive to hummingbirds.
Petunias: Petunias are a popular choice for hanging baskets since they produce bright, trumpet-like flowers. They come in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, pink, and red, making them an excellent option for attracting hummingbirds.
Lobelia: These delicate, blue or white flowers attract hummingbirds with their sweet fragrance and nectar. They're also easy to maintain since they don't require frequent watering.
Black-eyed Susan vine: This vine produces clusters of yellow-orange flowers with black centers that bloom throughout the summer months. Hummingbirds love the nectar these flowers produce.
Mandevilla: This tropical plant has large, showy flowers that come in pink, red, and white colors. It's important to note that Mandevillas need full sunlight exposure to thrive.
Cuphea: Cuphea, also known as cigar plants, produce small, tubular-shaped flowers that are perfect for hummingbirds. They come in a range of colors, including orange, pink, and purple.
Lantana: Lantana is a hardy plant that blooms all summer long. It comes in a variety of colors, including yellow, pink, and orange, which makes it an attractive option for hummingbirds.
Verbena: This plant produces clusters of small flowers that come in a wide range of colors. They're low maintenance and attract hummingbirds with their sweet scent and nectar.
Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are easy-to-grow annual plants that produce edible flowers. They come in a range of colors such as orange, yellow, and red, making them a colorful addition to any garden.
Geraniums: Geraniums are popular basket plants that produce bright, showy flowers that bloom all season long. They come in a variety of colors, such as red, pink, and white.
Hanging plants are an excellent way to add beauty and attract hummingbirds to your garden. By choosing the right plants, you can create a colorful and fragrant display that will delight humans and birds alike. Remember, hummingbirds prefer bright, colorful flowers that produce ample nectar, so select plants that meet those criteria.
FAQ:
Here are some frequently asked questions about keeping hummingbird-friendly hanging plants:
What other types of flowering plants do hummingbirds like?
Hummingbirds are attracted to bright, tubular-shaped flowers that produce ample nectar. Some other plants that hummingbirds enjoy include bee balm, salvia, and trumpet creeper.
Do hummingbirds prefer certain colors of flowers?
Yes, they're particularly drawn to red or pink flowers, but they'll visit any flower that produces ample nectar.
Can I grow these plants indoors in a hanging basket?
Some of these plants can grow indoors, such as petunias and fuchsias, but it's essential to provide them with plenty of sunlight.
How often should I water my hummingbird-friendly hanging plants?
It depends on the plant itself, some need more frequent watering than others. But, generally speaking, it's best to water them when the soil feels dry.
Is it safe to use pesticides on these plants if I want to keep other insects away?
No, it's not recommended since insecticides can harm hummingbirds. Consider planting companion plants that keep insects at bay, such as marigolds or chrysanthemums.
Do I need to provide a special type of feeder for hummingbirds?
Yes, hummingbirds feed on nectar primarily, so it's essential to provide them with a hummingbird feeder that holds a sugar-water solution.
How can I tell if a plant is suitable for a hanging basket?
Look for plants that have a compact growth habit and cascading foliage. Additionally, opt for plants that produce enough flowers to make an attractive display.
What's the best soil mix for hummingbird-friendly hanging plants?
A well-draining soil mix that includes peat moss, perlite or vermiculite, and organic matter will work well for most plants.
Can I transplant these plants into my garden once they've outgrown their baskets?
Yes, you can transplant these plants into your garden. Make sure to prepare the soil first by adding compost or organic matter to increase its fertility.
What other birds might be attracted to these plants?
Other birds such as finches, sparrows, and orioles may also be attracted to these plants.
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