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Hummingbirds FAQ

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Found only in the Americas, the hummingbird family includes 383 species, but only 16 live in North America. Hummingbirds like bright-colored flowers with lots of nectar, often they are red. Hummingbirds must feed 3 to 5 times per hour and may become reliant on your garden for food, but there may be periods when there are no blossoms from which they can get nectar. Even with a garden of plants, it is a good idea to provide hummingbird feeders.

Never fill your feeders with anything but sugar-water mix of 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. Do not use food coloring of any kind, and never use molasses, honey, sugar substitutes, powdered, brown sugar or nutrient mixtures (these can develop a fungus which can be fatal to hummingbirds). Wash the feeder each time you refill it. Scrub feeders occasionally with a brush, after a soaking in a mild bleach-water mixture (1 part bleach to 9 parts water), which kills any bacteria in the feeder.

Hummingbirds are very territorial and will defend flowers and feeders from other hummers. If possible, space food sources out of sight from one another, or as far apart as possible, up to 30 feet.

While hummingbirds need nectar, insects, such as aphids, represent the majority of their diet. According to recent research, hummingbirds may have very small brains but excellent memory when it involves food. Scientists in Britain and Canada, have studied the Rufous hummingbird that lives in the Canadian Rockies. The Rufous hummingbird can remember the location of specific flowers and the last time they visited them.

In the birds' feeding grounds, scientists kept track of how frequently the hummingbirds visited eight artificial flowers filled with a sucrose solution. Once the flowers were empty the scientists refilled half after 10 minutes and other half after 20 minutes.

Scientists discovered that the birds returned to the flowers according to the refill schedule. The flowers refilled every ten minutes were visited by the hummingbirds sooner than those refilled every 20 minutes. They believe that the hummingbird's brain has become extremely developed because they travel long distances and do not have time and energy to waste looking for food.

Hummingbirds may visit these blooming plants:

Latin Name	Comman Name
Agastache	Anise Hyssop
Ajuga	Bugleweed
Alcea	Hollyhock
Aquilegia	Columbine
Aralia	Golden Japanese Spikenard
Asclepias	Swamp milkweed, Butterfly Weed
Aster	New England aster
Buddleia	Butterfly Bush
Calamintha	Calamint
Campanula	Carpathian Bellflower
Coreopsis	Tickseed
Crocosmia	Montbretia
Delphiniums
Dicentra	Bleeding Heart
Digitalis	Foxglove
Echinacea	Purple coneflower
Eupatorium purpureum	Joe-pye weed
Hemerocallis	Daylily
Heuchera	Coral Bells
Hibiscus	Rose Mallow
Hosta
Iris	Louisiana Iris, Japanese Iris, Pseudata Iris, Siberian Iris
Kniphofia	Red Hot Poker
Liatris	BLAZING STAR, GAYFEATHER
Lobelia	Cardinal flower
Lupinus	Lupine
Monarda	Bee balm
Nepeta	Catmint
Penstemon	Beardtongue
Perovskia	Russian Sage
Phlox paniculata	Blue phlox
Pulmonaria	Lungwort
Rudbeckia	black-eyed Susan
Salvia	Perennial Salvia
Sedum	Stonecrop
Baptisia	False Indigo
Papaver	Oriental Poppy
Veronica	Spike Speedwell

What are the benefits of planting Hummingbird Gardens?

Planting a hummingbird garden offers a multitude of benefits, both for you and the environment. Here are some of the key advantages:

Enjoy the beauty of hummingbirds: These tiny, jewel-toned birds are a delight to watch as they flit from flower to flower, their wings buzzing and iridescent feathers shimmering in the sunlight. Their presence adds a touch of magic and wonder to any garden.
Support the hummingbird population: Hummingbirds face many challenges, including habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Planting a hummingbird garden provides them with a much-needed source of food and shelter, helping to conserve their populations.
Attract other pollinators: In addition to hummingbirds, your garden will attract other beneficial pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and moths. These creatures play a vital role in the reproduction of plants, ensuring healthy ecosystems and abundant food production.
Reduce your reliance on pesticides: The presence of diverse pollinators in your garden can help to control pest populations naturally. Hummingbirds, for example, eat small insects and spiders, while other pollinators help to keep pest populations in check by competing with them for resources.
Create a beautiful and vibrant garden: Hummingbird gardens are typically bursting with colorful flowers in a variety of shapes and sizes. This not only attracts hummingbirds but also creates a visually stunning space where you can enjoy yourself.
Connect with nature: Spending time in your hummingbird garden is a great way to relax and connect with the natural world. Watching the birds flit around and listening to their buzzing wings can be a very calming and therapeutic experience.

If you are interested in planting a hummingbird garden, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, choose plants that are native to your area, as these will be best adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Second, select plants that flower at different times of the year, so that you can provide a continuous source of nectar for the hummingbirds. Finally, make sure to provide the birds with a haven from predators, such as trees, shrubs, or vines.

With a little planning and effort, you can create a beautiful and inviting hummingbird garden that will bring joy to you and benefit the environment for years to come.

What are the characteristics of Hummingbird Gardens?

Abundance of nectar-rich flowers: Hummingbirds are primarily attracted to flowers with tubular shapes and red, orange, or pink colors, as these colors are easily visible to them. Some popular choices include bee balm, columbine, trumpet honeysuckle, cardinal flower, and butterfly bush.
Multi-season blooms: To ensure a continuous supply of nectar throughout the hummingbird season, plant a variety of flowers with different blooming times. This will keep the hummingbirds coming back for more!
Shelter and perches: Hummingbirds need places to rest, preen, and escape predators. Provide them with trees, shrubs, and vines that offer protection and vantage points.
Shallow water source: A small birdbath or fountain can provide hummingbirds with a place to drink and cool off. Keep the water clean and fresh to prevent the spread of diseases.
Minimal use of pesticides: Pesticides can harm hummingbirds and other pollinators. Opt for natural pest control methods whenever possible.
Native plants: Whenever possible, use native plants in your hummingbird garden. Native plants are adapted to your local climate and soil conditions, and they provide food and shelter for other native wildlife as well.
Sustainable practices: Use organic gardening methods to create a healthy and sustainable hummingbird garden. This includes composting, mulching, and conserving water.

By incorporating these characteristics into your garden, you can create a haven for hummingbirds and other pollinators, while also enjoying the beauty and benefits they bring.

How do I plant a Hummingbird Garden?

Planting a Hummingbird Garden: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here is how to create a vibrant and welcoming hummingbird haven in your own backyard:

Planning:

Research: Identify the native hummingbird species in your area and their preferred flowering times. This will help you choose the right plants for a continuous nectar supply.
Choose a location: Select a sunny spot with partial shade during the hottest part of the day. Shelter from wind is also beneficial. Consider proximity to windows or patios for your viewing pleasure.
Design: Sketch a layout, considering plant sizes, heights, and blooming periods. Group similar plants together for easier care. Create different layers – tall trees/shrubs at the back, mid-sized perennials in the middle, and low-growing flowers in front.

Planting:

Prepare the soil: Test your soil and amend it as needed for optimal drainage and nutrients. Hummingbirds typically prefer slightly acidic soil but adjust based on your chosen plants.
Planting times: Follow the recommended planting times for your chosen region and consider staggering species with different blooming periods. Start with early spring bloomers, continue with summer, and fall options.
Plant selection: Choose nectar-rich flowers with tubular shapes and red, orange, or pink colors. Native plants are ideal, but some non-native options can also be good choices. Remember to include plants with different blooming times. Here are some examples:
Early spring: Columbine, Bleeding Heart, Redbud
Summer: Bee balm, Butterfly bush, Trumpet honeysuckle
Fall: Cardinal flower, Mexican Bush Sage, Zinnias
Planting: Follow proper planting instructions for each species, respecting recommended spacing and depths. Water thoroughly after planting.

Maintaining your Hummingbird Garden:

Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering. Consider drip irrigation for efficient water usage.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Pest control: Use organic methods like handpicking pests, insecticidal soap, or beneficial insects whenever possible. Avoid harmful pesticides.
Providing shelter: Encourage the growth of small trees, shrubs, and vines to provide perches and protection for hummingbirds.
Water source: Install a shallow birdbath or mister to provide a refreshing drink and bathing spot for the hummingbirds. Keep the water clean and fresh.

Additional Tips:

Use hanging baskets or window boxes if you have limited space.
Consider adding hummingbird feeders with sugar water solution, following proper hygiene practices.
Observe your garden and adjust your plant choices over time based on what attracts the most hummingbirds.
Enjoy the beauty and joy these tiny marvels bring to your space!

Remember, creating a hummingbird garden is a continuous process. It takes time and dedication, but the rewards of witnessing these vibrant birds flitting and buzzing in your garden are truly magical.

What are good plant varieties for Hummingbird Garden?

Selecting the right plant varieties is crucial for attracting hummingbirds to your garden. Here are some excellent options, categorized by their bloom time:

Early Spring Bloomers:

Columbine: These delicate, bell-shaped flowers come in various colors and attract hummingbirds with their sweet nectar.
Bleeding Heart: This shade-loving perennial features heart-shaped, drooping flowers that hummingbirds adore.
Redbud: This small tree boasts clusters of pinkish-purple flowers that are a magnet for hummingbirds in early spring.

Summer Bloomers:

Bee balm: This easy-to-grow perennial offers clusters of tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, and white, irresistible to hummingbirds.
Butterfly bush: As the name suggests, this vibrant shrub attracts not only butterflies but also hummingbirds with its long, conical flower spikes.
Trumpet honeysuckle: This fast-growing vine produces clusters of bright orange tubular flowers that hummingbirds find irresistible.

Fall Bloomers:

Cardinal flower: This shade-loving perennial features vibrant red spikes that hummingbirds love to visit in late summer and fall.
Mexican Bush Sage: This heat-tolerant shrub boasts vibrant red flowers that attract hummingbirds throughout fall.
Zinnias: These easy-to-grow annuals come in various colors and shapes, providing a late-season food source for hummingbirds.

Bonus Tip: Consider incorporating native plants whenever possible, as they are typically better adapted to your local climate and provide food and shelter for other native wildlife as well.

Remember, this is just a starting point. With a little research, you can discover many other fantastic plant varieties to create a hummingbird haven in your garden!

How Do I Care For a Hummingbird Garden?

Caring for your hummingbird garden is not too demanding, but following these tips will ensure your feathery friends have a vibrant and welcoming haven:

Watering:

Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering. Aim for consistent moisture without soggy soil.
Consider drip irrigation for efficient water usage and targeted delivery to plant roots.

Mulching:

Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Organic mulch options like shredded bark, wood chips, or compost are beneficial for the environment and your plants.

Deadheading:

Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. This promotes new flower growth and maintains the overall aesthetics of your garden.

Pest Control:

Opt for organic pest control methods whenever possible. Handpicking pests, insecticidal soap, or encouraging beneficial insects are natural alternatives.
Avoid using harmful pesticides, as they can harm hummingbirds, other pollinators, and beneficial insects.

Providing Shelter:

Encourage the growth of small trees, shrubs, and vines to offer perches and protection for hummingbirds.
These elements provide safe havens for resting, preening, and escaping predators.

Water Source:

Install a shallow birdbath or mister to provide a refreshing drink and bathing spot for the hummingbirds.
Keep the water clean and fresh by changing it regularly to prevent the spread of diseases.

Additional Tips:

Fertilize: Use organic fertilizers sparingly, if at all, as excessive nutrients can disrupt the natural balance and attract unwanted pests.
Clean Feeders: If you use hummingbird feeders, clean them regularly with a vinegar solution to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold.
Observe and Adapt: Observe your garden and adjust your plant choices over time based on what attracts the most hummingbirds. Different species might have varying preferences.
Enjoy the Experience: Relax and enjoy the beauty and joy these amazing creatures bring to your space. Watching them flit and feed is a truly rewarding experience.

Remember, caring for a hummingbird garden is a continuous process. With consistent effort and attention to detail, you can create a thriving haven that attracts these vibrant visitors and contributes to a healthy ecosystem.

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