Guide for Cultivating a Birdfeeder Basket for Hummingbirds - Discover Irresistible Plants for Hums!
Hummingbirds are tiny, brilliantly colored birds that can be found flitting around gardens, attracted by the nectar-rich blooms of certain plants. If you want to attract these fascinating creatures to your outdoor space, consider creating a hummingbird haven with the perfect hanging basket.
Hummingbirds are drawn to colorful flowers, particularly those with tubular shapes that provide easy access to nectar. Ideal choices for a hummingbird hanging basket include coral honeysuckle, cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea), and scarlet hibiscus. These plants boast vivid red, orange, or magenta tubular blooms and can thrive in suitable container conditions [1][2][3].
Coral honeysuckle is a vine with low maintenance once established and thrives in moist, well-drained soil [2][4]. The cardinal flower is an aquatic perennial with striking red tubular flowers that thrive in rich, moist soil and partial sun to full sun, making it excellent for maintaining hummingbird visits throughout the season [1][2]. Hummingbird sage is a perennial with deep magenta tubular flowers that bloom in early spring to late spring, thriving in part shade with well-drained soil and tolerating some dryness [3]. Scarlet hibiscus, with its large vibrant red flowers, is a good choice for warmer zones and partial shade, although it may be more suitable for large hanging baskets or mixed containers [1].
For hanging baskets, choose plants that are compact or trailing with lots of blooms for continuous nectar. Annuals and tender tropical plants with tubular flowers in red, orange, or yellow also work well as supplementary plants in hanging baskets to keep hummingbirds attracted throughout the growing season [5]. Both trailing verbena and lantana offer generous clusters of small flowers in a variety of bright colors. Trailing petunias offer rich colors, big blossoms, and an evening fragrance.
Morning glories are bright and beautiful options, while Million bells (aka Calibrachoa) have small, numerous flowers in vivid shades. Hanging a feeder filled with sugar water can attract hummingbirds and provide them with energy. If you'd like to keep hummingbirds out of the range of stray cats, consider hanging a feeder from a tree branch.
Creating hanging baskets filled with hummingbird-loved flowers can not only attract these enchanting birds to your garden but also allow you to enjoy them without the need to refill feeders every few days. These baskets can be hung near windows or patios, bringing the hummingbirds closer for you to observe. So, why not create your own hummingbird haven and welcome these vibrant visitors to your outdoor space?
References: [1] Gardening Know How. (2021). Hummingbird Flowers: Best Plants for Attracting Hummingbirds. [online] Available at: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/attract-pollinators/hummingbird-flowers.htm
[2] The Spruce. (2021). The Best Plants for Attracting Hummingbirds. [online] Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/hummingbird-plants-for-your-garden-2132904
[3] Birds and Blooms. (2021). Hummingbird Plants: 12 Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds. [online] Available at: https://www.birdsandblooms.com/flowers/hummingbird-plants/
[4] The Old Farmer's Almanac. (2021). Hummingbird Plants: The Best Flowers for Attracting Hummingbirds. [online] Available at: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/hummingbird-plants
[5] Bird Watching HQ. (2021). Hummingbird Plants: How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden. [online] Available at: https://www.birdwatchinghq.com/hummingbird-plants/
Planting a hummingbird hanging basket with coral honeysuckle, cardinal flower, hummingbird sage, and scarlet hibiscus, all known for their vibrant tubular blooms, can effectively attract hummingbirds to your home-and-garden lifestyle. Additionally, consider incorporating trailing verbena, lantana, petunias, morning glories, or Million bells, which offer an abundance of small, colorful flowers to keep hummingbirds engaged throughout the season.
