Who wouldn’t enjoy seeing more of these colorful, hypnotic, tiny birds humming around their backyard garden? We have some simple ideas to show you How to Create a Hummingbird Haven and get these fascinating creatures attracted to your yard.
Food Source
When plotting your hummingbird habitat, an essential factor will be to create and maintain their food source. After all, these little bundles of energy eat all day, flitting from 1,000 to 2,000 flowers a day. Why not make their efforts worth the while by providing proper fuel?
Which Flowers Work Best
Visit your local nursery and learn which blooms will flourish best in your region before you start planting. You will want to choose a variety of flowers that will provide the hummingbird with a continuous food source from early spring through late summer. Also, use as many different color blossoms as possible. Hummingbirds are particularly attracted to the color red but will drink from any color bloom.
Hummingbird Favorites
The following is a list of proven favorites of the hummingbird. Plant at different heights if possible, with taller plants in the back. Use both perennials and annuals. Perennials will offer a food source that will last for years. Use annuals to create dramatic bursts of color that will attract the birds to your garden.
Bee Balm
Bleeding Hearts
Calico Bush
Cardinal Flower
Carpet Bugle
Columbia Lily
Columbine
Coneflowers
Coral Bells
Desert Trumpet
Fuchsia
Impatiens
Larkspur
Petunias
Scarlet Creeper
Trumpet Honeysuckle
Trumpet Vine
Zinnias
Tending to the blooms
- Be sure to remove dead or dying flowers from the vines. Hummingbirds will avoid these plants, knowing there is little or no nectar available within.
- Avoid using anything other than natural pesticides or insecticides for insect control. Aside from being harmful to the hummingbirds, it also depletes insects, which serve as a food source for hummingbirds.
- Consider a water dripper for your garden or a water mister. Having a water supply near will keep hummingbirds close and may encourage them to nest.
Creating your own hummingbird haven may take some experimentation. In the end, these little dynamos with an abundant appetite will charm their way into your garden and your heart.