6 Summer Flowers That Will Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden

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Summer is a great time to attract hummingbirds to your garden. One effective way to do this is by planting flowers that are known to attract them.

Summer Flowers for Hummingbirds

Here are six summer flowers that will help you attract these beautiful birds to your garden:

1. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

Bee Balm is also known as wild bergamot, horsemint or Oswego tea. Its red color attracts not only hummingbirds but also butterflies and bees. This perennial plant grows up to three feet tall and its flowers bloom from June to September.

2. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Cardinal flower is a bright red flowering plant that has trumpet-shaped blooms. It can grow up to four feet tall and it blooms from July to September. It is ideal for gardens looking for tall plants with bright red flowers.

3. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Salvia has several varieties including the red Salvia splendens, blue salvia farinacea and black and blue salvia guaranitica. These annual flowers bloom from June to September and will attract not only hummingbirds but also butterflies.

4. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

The trumpet vine is known for its trumpet-shaped flowers that appear in July and August. This vine can grow up to 40 feet long and is ideal for gardens looking for vines to climb over fences or trellises.

5. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja spp.)

The butterfly bush is a perennial shrub that blooms from June to September. Its sweet scent attracts not only hummingbirds but also butterflies and bees.

6. Lantana (Lantana camara)

Lantanas have multicolored flowers and are very attractive to hummingbirds. They are annual plants that bloom from June to September and their flowers come in several colors such as pink, orange, red and yellow.

Attracting hummingbirds to your garden can be a fun and rewarding experience. Planting these six summer flowers is a great way to do it.

FAQ

What other plants attract hummingbirds besides flowers?

In addition to flowers, hummingbirds are attracted to insects like spiders and nectar-producing trees such as maple, oak and birch.

When is the best time of day to attract hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds are most active early in the morning and late in the day. However, they will visit gardens throughout the day.

Do I need to provide feeders in addition to planting flowers?

While planting flowers is a great way to attract hummingbirds, providing feeders with sugar water is another effective way to attract them.

What other ways can I make my garden attractive to hummingbirds?

In addition to planting flowers and providing feeders, hummingbirds also enjoy a water source such as a bird bath or small fountain.

How can I tell if hummingbirds are visiting my garden?

Look for hummingbirds flying around the flowers and feeders. Also, listen for their distinctive humming sound.

What is the lifespan of a hummingbird?

The average lifespan of a hummingbird is about 3-5 years, though some have been known to live up to 10 years.

Can I attract more than one species of hummingbird to my garden?

Yes, you can attract more than one species of hummingbird to your garden by planting a variety of flowers and providing food sources.

What should I do if a hummingbird gets trapped in my garden?

If a hummingbird gets trapped in your garden, turn off any outdoor lights and cover windows with a sheet or blanket to help it find its way out.

Is it legal to keep hummingbirds as pets?

No, it is illegal to keep hummingbirds as pets as they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Are there any plants that I should avoid planting if I want to attract hummingbirds?

Avoid using pesticides or planting invasive species, which may harm or drive away hummingbirds.