Plants for Hummingbirds
Attract hummingbirds to your garden by growing some of the plants they like best. The tubular, nectar-rich blossoms of Salvias, Penstemons, Monardas, Phlox, Fuchsias, and Loniceras are among their favorite foods. Although hummingbirds are drawn to the colors red and orange, they depend on plants of many hues that contain large nectar reserves. Some species also eat pollen. Less well-known is the fact that hummingbirds vacuum up tiny insects on flowers, consume aphids, and pluck spiders right out of their webs. Hummingbirds will linger longer in yards with a mix of sun and shade, twiggy cover, trees for nesting, water, and ample food from late spring until fall. The plants and collections gathered here all contain preferred food sources for hummingbirds. In addition, bird lovers may use organic practices that foster healthy habitat for the insects that feed these little birds and many others.
