Hummingbirds are such a delight to share your garden with. They zip through the foliage, scoping out available eats. Did you know that hummingbirds are the tiniest birds in the world? Here are a few more fun facts about these little guys and girls:
• Hummingbird wings rotate a full 360° and they beat them 70-80 times a second.
• They have no sense of smell.
• They must feed approximately every 10 minutes and consume more than their weight in nectar each day.
• They are extremely territorial.
Want to invite of a few of these tiny neighbors into your garden? You can begin by creating a hummingbird haven. Here are a few tips:
• Select a sunny spot that can be seen from a window or patio.
• Be sure there is shade nearby, making a good resting spot.
• Provide a source of clean, fresh water.
• Set out feeders when flowers are taking a break.
• Plant brightly colored, nectar-filled flowers. Red is their favorite color.
The sweet nectar of many annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs make delightful dining for local hummingbirds. From spring through fall, you’ll find these lovely creatures out enjoying the blooms.
Here are a few plants that hummingbirds just can’t resist.
Achillea – Yarrow
Agastache
Alcea – Hollyhock
Aquilegia – Columbine
Aster
Astilbe
Centaurea
Centranthus
Coreopsis
Cosmos
Delphinium
Dianthus
Echinacea – Coneflower
Erysimum – Wallflower
Gaillardia
Gaura
Helenium
Heliotropium – Heliotrope
Impatiens
Kniphofia – Red Hot Poker
Leonotis
Leucanthemum – Shasta Daisy
Ligularia
Lobelia
Monarda – Bee Balm
Nemesia
Origanum – Oregano
Penstemon
Phlox
Phygelius
Rudbeckia
Salvia
Sedum
Snapdragon
If you have any questions about which plants would do well in your garden, come in and see us. Or you can post your questions here, too!
What a great informative piece on hummingbirds!! It encourages me to make a hummer garden next spring.
Thanks! I started a hummer garden this summer and am loving it!
I’ve been enjoying these birds all summer at my fuchsia and at my window box full of a variety of flowers. One actually was hovering over my head the other day!