Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds

Have you ever longed to bring a bevy of hummingbirds to your garden? This video explains HOW.

Hummingbirds love flowers that provide a readily available source of nectar, their primary food source. They are particularly drawn to flowers with bright colors, and wide openings, that make it easy for them to access the nectar with their long, thin beaks.

Some characteristics of flowers that attract hummingbirds include the following:

1. Bright Colors. Hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored flowers, especially in shades of red, orange, and pink. These colors are easily visible to the birds, and help them locate the flowers quickly.

2. Tubular or Bell Shape. Hummingbirds prefer tubular flowers, making it easier for them to access the nectar. This shape allows the birds to extend their long, thin beaks into the flower to reach the nectar.

3. Strong Fragrance. Hummingbirds are also attracted to flowers with a strong fragrance. The fragrance helps the birds locate the flowers and can also serve as a cue that the flower contains nectar.

4. High Nectar Content. Hummingbirds are primarily attracted to flowers with high nectar content. Flowers with a high nectar content provide the birds with more energy and can help them conserve their energy while they feed.
Here are five stunning flowers that thrive in eastern North Carolina landscapes, and better yet, will attract hummingbirds:

1. Cardinal Flower. Lobelia cardinalis, the cardinal flower, is an upright perennial that produces spikes of brilliant red, tubular flowers in late summer to early fall. The fragrant flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. It grows best in full sun to partial shade.

2. Beebalm. Monarda, or bee balm, is an aromatic perennial that produces clusters of brightly colored, tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, and red. The fragrant flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and are highly attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. Beebalm loves the full sun but will adapt to partial shade.

3. Zinnia, or Zinnia Elegans. These lovely annuals produce brightly colored, daisy-like flowers in numerous colors, including red, orange, pink, and yellow. The flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, and other pollinators, and have a light, sweet fragrance. Zinnia prefers at least six hours of direct sunshine every day.

4. Fuchsia is an annual that produces pendulous, tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, and red. The fragrant flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. They require the full sun, but it will tolerate full sun in the morning with a shady afternoon.

5. Scarlet sage. Salvia splendens, the scarlet sage, is an annual that produces spikes of brightly colored, tubular flowers in shades of red and scarlet. The fragrant flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. This flower is a sun-lover that can tolerate day-long sunshine.

Hummingbirds enjoy the lovely flowers here in eastern North Carolina. They search for flowers that bloom at the time they need food. By planting various hummingbird-friendly flowers, you can create a beautiful and inviting garden that provides the birds with a reliable food source from spring through summer.

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