Hummingbirds are fascinating birds that seem to mesmerize us while they suddenly buzz into our garden and search out suitable flowers to feed on nectar. They hover like winged insects suspended in the air, grasping at minuscule gnats in the air, but also require the nectar from flowers. This act of feeding on the flowers in our garden is what is so thrilling to watch. They dart from flower to flower with such speed and accuracy that if you are not paying attention, you could miss their visit. But if you have multiple species of hummingbird plants, that increases their time spent in your garden.
Hummingbird Behavior
Hummingbirds are different than most other bird species in that they feed primarily on nectar, whereas other birds feed on insects, nuts, berries, and seeds, depending on their beaks. Hummingbirds, therefore, do not compete with other birds for food resources. They do, however, compete with each other for territories that include adequate food, shelter, and hiding places. Where there are sufficient food sources, such as a yard with multiple feeders in the garden, there may be overlap in these territories, as there is plenty to go around.
In Sedona, we have several species of Hummingbirds, the most common being the Anna’s Hummingbird, which tends to be tolerant of cold temperatures and hangs around during the winter. Other species are migratory and tend to appear in early spring, reaching their peak in midsummer. Because of the migratory behavior of most hummingbirds, they will tend to return to the same feeding spots every year. Therefore, having flowering hummingbird plants and hummingbird feeders will attract them.
When you understand that hummingbirds have the highest metabolic rate of all vertebrate animals with a heartbeat that can reach 1000 beats per minute, you will see why they are constantly feeding on nectar. The sugar is what they need to fuel their high metabolic rate. Hanging a feeder is not frowned upon as the feeding of other animal species is. They need it, and you are helping them to survive. Having flowering hummingbird plants is just icing on the cake.
Hummingbird Feeders
Do they need red colored sugar water in the feeder? Hummingbirds are certainly attracted to the color red, but the nectar need not be colored with red dye. All hummingbird feeders are colored red as it is, so no need to buy that special hummingbird feeder mix.
Ideally, it would be beneficial to have both feeders and flowering plants, as you may not have enough flowers blooming to support them. The sight of watching a hummingbird feeding from a flower that is in full bloom can’t be matched by the bird-feeder combination. It’s just not the same.
Clients often request a hummingbird garden, or at least some plants that will attract hummingbirds to their garden. It’s simple to hang a feeder on your porch or outside your kitchen window, but better yet, to wander through a thoughtfully designed garden and watch the hummingbirds feed from your assortment of hummingbird-friendly flowering plants.
What kinds of shrubs have flowers that attract hummingbirds the most?
Top 5 Ways to Attract Hummingbirds with the Right Plants
- Prioritize Tube-Shaped Blooms
Hummingbirds are especially drawn to flowers with tubular forms. These blooms are ideal for their long, narrow beaks, which are designed to reach deep into flowers for nectar. - Go for Bold Colors
Bright, vivid hues—especially reds, oranges, and pinks—tend to catch a hummingbird’s eye. Incorporating these colors into your garden will help grab their attention. - Choose Plants That Bloom for Extended Periods
To support hummingbirds throughout the season, select flowers that produce blossoms over a long stretch of time. This ensures a steady supply of nectar, which is essential during migration and nesting periods. - Group Plants Together
Planting hummingbird favorites in clusters not only enhances the visual impact of your garden but also makes it easier for birds to spot and feed from them. Groupings offer a richer nectar source in a compact area, encouraging longer and more frequent visits. - Incorporate a Variety of Plants
A mix of plant types—such as annuals, perennials, and shrubs—with staggered blooming schedules will provide hummingbirds with a reliable and diverse nectar buffet from spring through fall.
So now that you have plenty of suggestions for hummingbird plants, where do you place them? Of course, that depends on your yard, if you have one. Perhaps you have a new house that needs a landscape design or an existing yard that could use a makeover. Creating a garden design with hummingbirds in mind requires knowledge of some basic design principles.