Hummingbirds Love Flowers, But What Kind?

All flowers are not created equal, at least when it comes to a hummingbird-friendly garden. Hummingbirds definitely love big, bright blooms, but certain types of blooming plants, including shrubs, trees and vines, are more likely to invite hoards of happy little hummers.

Hummingbirds love red, so it’s a good idea to include a few plants with red, orange, or pink blooms. Some experts believe that hummingbirds are particularly attracted to shades of red because those colors are avoided by bees. Makes sense! If bees aren’t lapping up the nectar, that means more for the hummingbirds.

Tube-shaped blooms are great too, because the narrow blooms make it easy for the birds to use their long tongues to lap nectar from the center of the flower.

These are helpful tips, but that’s all they are -- tips. In reality, a hummingbird-friendly garden isn’t required to have red, orange or pink, tube-shaped flowers. Hummers also love blue, purple, or white blooms.

In fact, hummingbirds are attracted to any nectar-rich flower, which provides a steady supply of energy. If the blooms don’t provide nectar, it doesn’t matter what color they are. They won’t attract hummingbirds.

Stay tuned, and I’ll offer a few ideas for easy-to-grow plants that hummingbirds love!