Colors
There is no color that is restricted from attracting hummingbirds. You can choose from annuals, perennials, vines, shrubs, trees, bedding plants and hanging plants. Almost any color is popular like purple, white, orange, pink and blue. All of these colors are rich in nectar which is a favorite food of hummingbirds. A general rule is; anything that catches your eye in color will also attract hummingbirds. Also the flowers should smell as sweet as nectar so that they attract as many hummingbirds as possible.
Varieties of Flowers
The long blooming perennial, bee balm is an excellent choice because they are hardy. It is a member of the mint family and blooms in red or light purple. Another red plant is columbine. This is also a perennial and blooms early. They are great at attracting hummingbirds that are returning from their winter homes. Delphinium is a traditional favorite that grows to a height of five feet tall. Hollyhocks have been known to outgrow the delphinium. These plants are excellent for planning the back row in a tiered perennial bed. The trumpet plant is another vining plant. It has bright orange flowers with a lighter orange throat. They are sweet smelling and an excellent hummingbird attractor.
Varieties of Bushes and Trees
Hummingbird plants are not restricted to flowers they can also be shrubs or bushes. One such bush is the butterfly bush. They can grow six to twelve feet tall and have a four to fifteen foot spread of branches. They should be pruned in the winter to the ground so they will re-emerge with new and larger blooms the following spring. These can be pink, purple, white or red and usually have an orange throat in the center of the blooms. Another great bush is the Catawba rhododendron. They are an evergreen bush that has dark green, leathery foliage and beautiful flowers in the spring. One final species is the mimosa. It has one of the sweetest flowering blooms of a tree beside the apple tree and the redbud tree.
Laying it all Out
When you begin planning your hummingbird garden consider the flowers and trees that are going to both benefit you and attract the hummingbirds. For instance a mimosa tree gives shade as well as attracts one of the smallest birds in the world. Draw out a design that you can live with and consider setting a bistro patio set in the middle so you can sit and enjoy the scenery and smells of your newly acquired garden. If you select vining plants, they must have a trellis or some type of fencing to climb.
John Smith is an avid garden and lawn care enthusiast. John is also an avid blogger. You can read more of his articles at Briggs and Stratton Equipment.
Tags: environment, gardening, garden, nature, hummingbird