Summer has officially arrived and high temperatures are scorching our gardens. But it isn't just our plants that need some extra care during such extreme weather, hummingbirds also need some support to stay cool and hydrated.

If you want to attract hummingbirds to your yard during the summer, it's important to set up some precautions to keep them cool. This includes a shady retreat out of the sun, a fresh water source, and clean feeders full of nectar.

It's actually super easy to incorporate all of these things in your yard (picking up a red glass hummingbird feeder from Walmart is a good place to start). Here are three simple ways you can help these charming little birds during the hottest months of the year.

1. Provide a Cooling Mist

A big part of feeding birds in your garden is providing a water source, most commonly with a bird bath. But, hummingbirds actually prefer mist to a pool of water.

During the heat especially, morning dew and water vaopr from natural water sources is crucial to keeping them cool and clean. In your garden, you can offer mist by placing a solar fountain in your bird bath (this one from Amazon is highly rated).

This hanging solar fountain bird bath from Amazon is also a good option, as you can hang it in the shade to keep the water cool.

This will provide movement in your bird bath and a soft spray for the hummingbirds to fly through.

It's important to clean your bird bath regularly to ensure the water is topped up and hygienic for all the garden birds using it.

2. Refresh Feeders Regularly

Hummingbirds primarily get their hydration from the nectar they consume. That's why a hummingbird feeder (like this red one from Amazon) is an essential to have when trying to support these birds in your yard.

It's important to keep your hummingbird feeder topped up with nectar (you can purchase hummingbird nectar from Walmart) and to clean your hummingbird feeder more often in hot weather. The nectar will spoil more quickly, so refresh it everyday or at least every other day.

It can also be wise to place your hummingbird feeder in a shaded spot to stop it spoiling so quickly and to stop the nectar overheating.

This glass hummingbird feeder wind chime from Amazon is a perfect option for hanging from a tree branch in shade. It has multiple feeders which create a calming sound as the breeze hits. It's also currently just $28.79 in the Amazon Prime Day sale, so now is the time scoop it up.

This hummingbird feeder cleaning brush from Amazon is useful to pick up, too, so you can make sure the feeding ports are safe for birds to use.

3. Create a Shady Resting Spot

Another way to help hummingbirds beat the heat is by providing resting spots in shade.

Hummingbirds often look for perches in shaded areas to escape the sun, conserve energy, hide from predators, and preen their feathers.

You can add these hummingbird swings from Walmart to a low tree branch under shade. Likewise, take care not to prune tree branches back so much that all shade is eradicated.

By planting nectar-rich hummingbird plants for shade under these canopies, you can create the ultimate cool spot for them to rest and feed in.

Denser shrubs are also used by these birds, including these viburnums from Plant Addicts. It can be effective to position feeders near these shrubs.

Garden shade from structures can also help, so consider placing hummingbird resources under pergolas or in the shade cast by buildings.

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Whether you already have a hummingbird feeder or you're planning to add one to your yard this summer, it's important to read up on hummingbird feeder mistakes to avoid. This includes leaving feeders out during cold nights where the nectar can freeze.

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If you're deadheading perennials in June, it pays to be selective. While removing spent blooms can encourage repeat flowering, some nectar-rich plants are far more valuable left intact, providing a vital food source for hummingbirds as they prepare for their long migration south later in summer.

Take salvias, for example. A mature clump can produce dozens of flowering stems, each covered in nectar-rich tubular blooms. By mid to late summer, many of those flowers may look past their best, but they're still feeding wildlife. Cut every stem back, and any regrowth is likely to be limited, leaving far fewer flowers available in August and September when migrating hummingbirds need them most.

That's why I leave certain perennials well alone in late summer, particularly those still offering nectar to pollinators and migrating hummingbirds. If you're tempted to tidy up faded blooms, it might be worth waiting. Here are five perennials I never deadhead too soon.

1. Cardinal flower

Many late-blooming flowers to attract hummingbirds are considered plants you should not deadhead when the migration gets underway. Even brown and faded blooms can still contain plenty of sweet nectar, vital to help hummingbirds as they make their epic journey south.

The cardinal flower, or Lobelia cardinalis, is a scarlet-colored North American native wildflower that is an annual hit with pollinators.

If you’ve ever grown cardinal flowers, you’ll know just how fiercely hummingbirds adore them, and it is often considered one of the best perennials to attract hummingbirds.

You can find a beautiful, native cardinal flower at Plant Addicts.

It usually throws up vivid scarlet flower spikes from July through September, and there is no need for any deadheading. Once it’s blooming, leave it be. Unlike some perennials, I have found that cardinal flowers don't have a reliable rebloom late in the year, and every stem you cut is one less food source during migration.

Accessories Hummingbirds Will Adore

2. Bee balm

As you can see from the image above, bee balm typically produces masses of red, pink or purple flowers, and if you are looking to attract hummingbirds, you won't find a better perennial.

The tubular bee balm flowers are popular with hummingbirds (and a whole host of other pollinators, too), prized for their high nectar content. And, just remember, that even if the flower petals have turned brown, nectar will still be found inside each bloom.

If you fancy adding a new Monarda variety to your borders or pots, try this 'Leading Lady Plum' variety, with live plants available from Burpee.

Hardy down to zone 4, this lilac perennial will keep any visiting birds and butterflies happy during summer and fall.

3. Penstemon

Whatever penstemons you grow, you'll have noticed just how popular these perennials are with pollinators. Their nectar-rich, tubular flowers are perfectly shaped for hummingbirds, which can often be seen hovering between blooms throughout summer, alongside butterflies, bees and other long-tongued pollinators.

Learning how to deadhead penstemon is simple enough, and cutting flower spikes back in early summer can encourage a second flush of blooms. However, by summer, I prefer to put the secateurs away. Even if the flower spikes are beginning to fade, they can still offer valuable nectar at a time when hummingbirds are feeding heavily ahead of their fall migration.

The Summit Sweets™ Ruby Beardtongue penstemon from Plant Addicts has ruby flower spikes hummingbirds will adore.

Late in the season, every flower counts. Rather than cutting back entire stems, leave any spikes that are still carrying blooms and nectar. To support continued flowering, feed plants with an organic bloom booster feed by Espoma, available via Amazon, which may encourage a few extra flower spikes before the first frosts arrive.

4. Salvia

Whether you grow salvia in pots or borders, these are stalwarts of any wildlife garden, especially in late summer. As members of the mint family, or Lamiaceae, they typically produce tubular, nectar-rich flowers that will be utterly irresistible to hummingbirds during summer.

While deadheading salvias is a good idea, from summer I would put the pruners down, and leave your plants alone.

Deadheading from this point onwards might give you a sprig or two of new growth, but it’ll come at the cost of what’s already there.

Even faded blooms are still full of nectar, and seeing brown petals is a price worth paying, in my opinion, if it means supporting hungry birds and pollinators.

If you want to add another salvia to your collection this summer, try Salvia 'May Night', from Fast Growing Trees.

5. Hummingbird mint

Hummingbird mint, or Agastache, easily makes this list of perennials to never deadhead for hummingbirds during their migration.

My dad has been enjoying the flowers of hummingbird mint for many weeks now, and once in full swing, this North American perennial can produce lilac spires that smell heavenly (like aniseed) right through until fall.

Importantly, hummingbirds are constant visitors to this plant, as you might have guessed by the name.

And, while it might be tempting to deadhead now in hopes of another flush, I’ve found that by summer, what you see is often what you get.

If you want to add a new variety to your plot, I love this Summerlong™ Coral Agastache from Plant Addicts, which will thrive in zones 7-10.

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If you have hummingbird feeders in your yard, be sure to keep them clean during the growing season, using something like this hummingbird cleaner, available from Amazon, which will help to keep pests and problems at bay.

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By May, hummingbirds are widespread across the US after returning from their winter migration. It's a key month to provide them with some essential care in your backyard, as they seek food sources, somewhere to nest, and refuge from predators.

Of course, the methods to attract hummingbirds to your yard are all relevant for spring, but there are some more specific things you can do for hummingbirds in May. This includes avoiding heavy pruning so these clever birds can build their nests on sturdy branches and providing an appropriate water source to keep them cool as temperatures rise.

So, once you know when hummingbirds return to your garden, you can go ahead with these jobs. Here, an ornithologist explains the top things hummingbirds need in May from your backyard.

1. Create a Hummingbird Mister

One of the key things to provide hummingbirds this month is a source of hydration. But, hummingbirds prefer mist over a bird bath, so it's key to provide the right setup.

'Hummingbirds get most of the water they need from the nectar that they drink, but having a mister helps with feather care, which is very important for these tiny hummingbirds,' says Maria Kincaid, an ornithologist from FeatherSnap.

Hummingbirds have too-short legs to stand in a bird bath, so they rather hover around mist to dampen their feathers. This is followed by preening, where the ruffle their feathers to remove debris and transfer oil.

'Flying through a mist or being able to rub against wet foliage allows for easy feather cleaning without having to worry about being so wet they’ll struggle to get back out of the bath,' Maria explains.

It also helps regulate their temperature during hotter spells.

You can add this solar fountain mister from Amazon to your bird bath to create the mist these birds need.

2. Don't Prune Your Trees

May is a key time to spot hummingbird nests and more importantly, to leave them undisturbed. They can be identified as cup-shaped structures built from moss, lichen, and bark.

'When hummingbirds start nesting is dependent on the species, and how far they migrate,' says Maria. 'Costa’s Hummingbirds and Anna’s Hummingbirds, which migrate to areas on the West Coast much earlier in the year, have already built nests and may be nearly finished raising nestlings by May.

'On the other hand, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, which migrate from Central America to the eastern U.S. and southern Canada, or the Rufous Hummingbird that migrates from the Gulf Coast or Mexico to the Pacific Northwest, are finishing up their migration and beginning to nest starting in May,' Maria explains.

In whatever case, it's important not to prune occupied tree branches to ensure nests are left undisturbed during this period.

'Hummingbirds like to build their nests on fairly open branches with a nice, shaded cover above it to keep the nest cool on warm summer days, so making sure you’ve got trees and shrubs for nesting and perching helps hummingbirds,' Maria adds.

One of the best trees for hummingbirds is the Temple of Bloom Seven-Sons. They use it to nest now and it provides blooms later in the season.

Temple of Bloom Seven-Sons is available to purchase from Nature Hill.

3. Clean Your Hummingbird Feeder

Hummingbird feeders (like this red one from Walmart) are vital food sources for these birds, but they can pose a risk if not properly maintained.

You should clean your hummingbird feeder to ensure it is fit for the birds to use without being exposed to deadly fungal infections, toxic bacteria, and spoiled sugar water.

'Clean and refill every day if temperatures are mid 80s or higher, you can stretch it to every 2-3 days if temperatures are lower. You should also clean and refill if your nectar is ever cloudy or discolored, no matter how recently you refilled your feeder,' says Maria.

With May being a peak period of hummingbird feeder activity in our yards, it's vital to change the hummingbird nectar regularly (you can use this hummingbird nectar from Walmart).

Every time you refill it, give it a rinse and use a hummingbird feeder brush (from Amazon) to clean the feeding ports.

'Hummingbirds are very territorial over their food sources, so having multiple feeders and flower patches means you can support more than one hummingbird,' Maria adds.

You may even want to invest in a smart hummingbird feeder (like this FeatherSnap one on Amazon) to watch them visit on your phone.

4. Grow Red Plants

If you're looking to spruce up your containers or flower beds for spring and summer, then experts urge you to choose red flowers for hummingbirds.

'I’m particularly partial to blooms like salvia, bee balm, trumpet creeper, and native honeysuckle, but any tubular-shaped flower will be attractive to hummingbirds,' says Maria.

Hummingbirds have long, slender beaks that allow them to feed from tubular blooms.

They're also highly sensitive to red hues, as it signals a rich nectar content for them to feed from.

You can find a red trumpet vine on Amazon, which blooms from summer to fall, providing late-season nectar for hummingbirds.

5. Avoid Pesticides

'It’s important to note that while the bulk of their diet is made up of nectar, hummingbirds also eat small insects,' says Maria.

For this reason, you can help hummingbirds in May by creating a biodiverse garden that attracts a wide range of insects.

'These insects are attracted to the blooming flowers, which is great, just make sure to limit or eliminate your pesticide use,' Maria says.

Hummingbirds will feed on destructive insects, including aphids and beetles, so they contribute to pest control.

You should opt for natural pest control methods if these insects are damaging your plants, rather than pesticides which will reduce the overall numbers in the yard and eliminate food sources for hummingbirds.

Pest-repellent plants, like these marigolds from Walmart, are effective when placed near your vulnerable plants. Their scent and chemical compounds discourage pest presence.

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You can also consider adding shrubs that create shelter for hummingbirds to your yard. This provides them with coverage from predators and harsh weather.

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If there's one wildflower seed to scatter in your yard this spring for hummingbirds, it's royal catchfly (or Silene regia). With bright scarlet-red blooms that come out around mid-summer, it's the perfect native plant to provide these charming birds with a late-season source of nectar.

It's a low-effort way to attract hummingbirds to the yard, as this wildflower is perennial (returning reliably every year) and spreads via self-seeding. It's a beautiful addition to borders, with flower spikes typically reaching 3-4 feet in height, or you can scatter some royal catchfly seeds (like these from Amazon) in your wildflower patch.

Of course, hummingbirds like red flowers, but royal catchfly is also visited by the likes of swallowtail butterflies. In fact, the tubular shape of the blooms is ideal for these pollinators with long beaks and tongues. Here's why you should consider growing royal catchfly for hummingbirds this spring.

Why Hummingbirds Love Royal Catchfly

The royal catchfly is primarily pollinated by the ruby-throated hummingbird, which is attracted to the bright red color.

It has narrow tubular flowers that hummingbirds are perfectly suited to feed from, with long bills and tongues able to reach inside. This, alongside the fact that the plant's stems are sticky (earning its name of catchfly) and deter many other nectar-eating insects, reduces competition for hummingbirds.

The blooms appear from mid-summer, lasting into fall. This makes it a vital source of nectar for hummingbirds when other sources start to fade. This provides plenty of energy right before the hummingbird migration begins.

As hummingbirds feed from royal catchfly, pollen brushes onto their heads and beaks. This makes them vital pollinators as they visit other plants, keeping biodiversity rich among prairie species like royal catchfly.

How to Grow Royal Catchfly

Royal catchfly is a native plant primarily found in tallgrass prairie regions of the Midwest and Southeast US. It's exceptionally drought-tolerant, thrives in sandy soil, and is a hardy perennial.

It can be grown in gardens across USDA zones 5-8 and ideally should be sown between late fall and early spring, as it requires cold seed stratification to germinate. You can still sow it later in spring by first placing royal catchfly seeds in your refrigerator for around eight weeks.

• Soil: Royal catchfly can adapt to a wide range of soil types, but generally prefers something sandy and well-draining. It thrives in slightly acidic soil that is moderately fertile. If needed, you can use this Amazon soil test kit to find out more about your soil and add amendments to make your soil more acidic.
• Light: This wildflower loves full sun, needing 6-8 hours of direct sun daily for best performance. However, they can adapt well to light afternoon shade, especially in the hottest climes.
• Water: As mentioned, royal catchfly is actually fairly drought-tolerant once established. Of course, when you first sow seeds (royal catchfly seeds are also available at Walmart), you need to keep them consistently moist to aid seed germination. During particularly hot spells in summer, water deeply weekly.
• Deadheading: As blooms fade, you can keep deadheading royal catchfly to encourage more blooms and extend their display. You should be able to use your fingers to pinch off spent blooms, but you can also use these garden snips (from Amazon) to make clean cuts.

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There are lots of options when it comes to planting for hummingbirds. The Temple of Bloom Seven-Sons Flower provides both nectar and a nesting spot, for example. Or, opt for the corkscrew vine for an unusual climber these birds love.

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It's no secret that pollinators are attracted to the brightest blooms, with red being one of the most effective colors for encouraging hummingbirds and butterflies. From cardinal flowers to coral honeysuckle, there are plenty of fiery-hued blooms that you can grow for them.

Growing these red flowers is one of the easiest ways to attract hummingbirds, as it signals to them that your yard is rich in nectar sources. As well as color, shape is also crucial. Both hummingbirds and butterflies benefit from tubular-shaped blooms, with the former having long beaks and the latter having long tongues. Having an abundance of flowers in your yard suited to these feeding habits is one of the most invaluable pollinator garden ideas.

The good news is that many of the best red flowers for hummingbirds and butterflies are straightforward to grow. Here, alongside insights from Bob Mulvihill, ornithologist at The National Aviary, I talk through five top picks.

1. Cardinal Flower

'The number one hummingbird plant is the cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis). It's a perennial plant that also will self-seed where it is planted if conditions are right,' says Bob.

The cardinal flower is a beautiful plant with upright flower spikes of red tubular blooms. It thrives in USDA zones 3-9, enjoying full to partial sun. 'It prefers naturally damp soil but can tolerate drier soil if it is kept watered,' adds Bob.

'The pollen-bearing parts of the flower, the stigma and style, are situated so that they touch the top of the hummingbird's head as it inserts its bill deep to obtain the nectar,' explains the expert.

'That is what we mean by a hummingbird-adapted flower. It actually has evolved features (red color, long-necked flowers, generous nectar supply, and strategically placed anthers) that correspond to it being a product of natural selection for hummingbirds to be its primary pollinator.'

You can use these cardinal flower seeds from Amazon to grow this pollinator plant in your yard.

2. Bee Balm

'In my experience, the second most attractive wildflower for hummingbirds is the red bergamot (Monarda didyma), which grows naturally in shade or part shade, especially along streambanks, but can tolerate more sun and generalized garden settings, too,' Bob says.

Also known as bee balm, this is one of the most invaluable plants for pollinators. With unusual, ragged, tube-shaped flowers, it's a popular flower among hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.

'It's in the mint family, which most gardeners know means it can spread rapidly via root shoots. Once established, it can form a substantial patch,' Bob notes.

You can deadhead bee balm to encourage a second flush of blooms later in summer. Always use clean and sharp tools for this, like these Fiskars bypass pruning shears on Amazon.

There are so many different varieties of bee balm, but 'Cherry Pops' (available at Nature Hills) is one of the most vibrant pink-red options.

3. Coral Honeysuckle

One of the best climbers for hummingbirds is coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens). It's hardy across USDA zones 4-9 and enjoys full sun, also tolerating partial shade.

It has beautiful yellow, orange, and red tubular blooms, which come out in spring and last through summer.

You can grow coral honeysuckle at the back of a border or against a wall on a trellis (like this white lattice one from Wayfair), or you can grow honeysuckle in pots.

This native honeysuckle not only attracts hummingbirds with its tubular flowers and sweet nectar, but it also acts as a host plant for the spring azure butterfly.

You can find a coral honeysuckle vine on Amazon.

4. Wild Columbine

'Another native plant that is similarly adapted for pollination by hummingbirds is the wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis),' Bob says.

This beautiful wildflower is found across North America as a woodland plant, with bell-shaped blooms that are ideal for the likes of hummingbirds and butterflies.

'It's very shade-tolerant but needs sweet (i.e., higher pH, alkaline) soils. It often can be grown in a rock garden where limestone rocks are used,' Bob suggests.

You can use this soil test kit from Amazon to find out more about the pH and nutrient levels of your soil. You can then improve your garden soil for wild columbine if needed.

You can grow this native spring flower to attract hummingbirds by sprinkling these wild columbine seeds from Amazon.

5. Orange Jewelweed

'Orange or spotted jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), is a self-seeding annual that will grow in full to part sun as long as it has damp feet,' Bob describes.

This wildflower is found across USDA zones 2-11 and is super easy to grow. You can sprinkle these orange jewelweed seeds from Amazon in your wildflower patch.

'It has explosive seed pods that give the plant its other common name, orange touch-me-not,' Bob describes.

It does best in shaded and partially shaded spots, with consistently moist soil. This makes it a great addition to beds alongside your garden pond, or under a tree canopy in a woodland garden.

It's a vital food source for hummingbirds and bumblebees, both of which are drawn to its high-sugar nectar.

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FAQs

Why Are Hummingbirds Attracted to Red?

Red is arguably the best color flower to attract hummingbirds because it signals high-energy nectar sources. Hummingbirds have evolved to be highly sensitive to these fiery hues to identify such sources. This is why you often find hummingbird feeders in red (like this hummingbird feeder from Walmart).

There are lots of other things you can do to attract hummingbirds to your yard, including using the red tape trick, or you can make a hummingbird planter for your patio or balcony.

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As hummingbirds continue to return from migration, a dedicated feeder is one of the most rewarding ways to attract these ethereal birds to your yard. But the sugar-rich nectar doesn’t just appeal to birds. As temperatures rise, ants become persistent visitors, quickly overrunning feeders if left unchecked. The good news? With a few simple fixes you can prevent ants invading your hummingbird feeder.

Aside from being a nuisance, ants can spoil nectar and deter hummingbirds from feeding altogether, making prevention key. A few well-chosen strategies can keep feeders clear without harming wildlife. These easy steps stop ants reaching the nectar in the first place – protecting it from contamination and keeping hummingbirds coming back.

Here, we share six expert-backed tips to keep ants out of hummingbird feeders, so your setup stays clean, safe, and far more inviting for the birds you actually want to see.

1. Attach an Ant Moat on Your Hummingbird Feeder

One of the most effective ways to keep ants out is to use an ant moat, which are available at Amazon.

These are small dishes that contain water, creating an effective barrier that ants cannot cross. Stainless steel ant moats are particularly good at holding up against the elements, plus they are easy to clean.

Zach Hutchinson is an ornithologist at the nation's largest bird conservation group, a hummingbird bander, and a consultant for the wild bird feeding industry. He explains that many hummingbird feeders use moats that can be filled with water.

'These moats can be used to prevent ants from reaching the sweet, sugary goodness of nectar,' he says. 'Just make sure you keep the ant moat topped up with water, otherwise the feeder will likely be visited by ants.'

If your existing hummingbird feeder does not have an ant moat, you can pick one up at very little expense; this ant moat from Walmart, for example, is less than $2.

2. Keep Your Feeder Clean

An easy way to reduce the presence of ants, and keep bees away from hummingbird feeders, too, is to keep on top of cleaning.

Little and often is best, and you might even consider cleaning your hummingbird feeder on a daily basis as part of your plant-watering routine.

Consistent cleaning will avoid any leftover residue from building up, which might attract ants.

If you're looking for a feeder upgrade, glass hummingbird feeders, such as this one from Amazon, are simply stunning and your hummingbirds will love it just as much as you.

3. Consider Switching Up the Placement of Your Feeder

Thinking carefully about hummingbird feeder placement is key to keeping ants at bay. Position feeders in a cool, shaded spot to help nectar stay fresh, but crucially, keep them well away from trees, fences, or walls that ants could use as a bridge. It should also be somewhere visible, so you can easily monitor activity and spot any issues early.

'Being close to ant colonies, ant aphid farms, or too near structures that already attract ants can exacerbate your ant problem,' comments Zach Hutchinson. 'However, if you can mount a hummingbird without direct contact with the ground, you can minimize access for ants.

'Suspension cables, pulley systems, and other similar hanging systems can minimize the ability of ants to detect your sugar water as well as their ability to climb to it.'

Using a thin, slippery fishing line to hang your feeder is another expert-recommended trick, as it makes it much harder for ants to gain traction.

If you live in an area with persistent ants, or find ant moats difficult to maintain, try hanging your feeder over water. Positioning it above the center of a wildlife pond or next to a water feature, such as a hanging solar birdbath fountain, from Amazon, creates a natural barrier ants are unlikely to cross, while also giving hummingbirds a place to drink and bathe.

And if ants keep returning, don’t be afraid to move your feeder. Even small changes (shifting it to a different spot on a patio or deck) can disrupt ant trails and solve the problem surprisingly quickly.

4. Sprinkle Cinnamon or Use Essential Oils as An Ant Deterrent

One solution might just be waiting in your spice drawer. Cinnamon is a powerful ant deterrent, and can also be used when getting rid of ants in the kitchen.

Spices can be used to deter common garden pests, and this is a quick and easy option to try.

'Cinnamon can stop ants from approaching the feeding zones for hummingbirds,' agrees Zach Hutchinson. 'Spread a heavy layer of cinnamon around the base of the hooks or other infrastructure used to hold your hummingbird feeders.'

Natural, essential oils, such as clove, lemongrass or anise, are also known to be very effective at deterring ants, as well as bees and yellow jackets.

Avoid putting the cinnamon or oils directly on your feeder, however. Positioning a small saucer of spice or oil nearby or below your feeder should be enough to prove effective.

5. Hang Your Hummingbird Feeder Using Fishing Line

Fishing line, available at Amazon, is incredibly durable yet super thin, so much so that ants find it difficult to hang on to it.

If you use it to hang your hummingbird feeder from a tree, a high branch, or a guttering at the side of your shed, this can prevent ants from reaching it.

They are also less likely to be attracted to a feeder that is positioned in the shade, as the sugar water will not ferment as quickly as when out of the sun.

You can still attract your beautiful hummingbirds to these areas by adding shade plants for hummingbirds.

6. Avoid Pesticides Near Wildlife Feeders

Avoid using harsh chemicals or pesticides anywhere near your hummingbird feeders. While they may seem like a quick fix for ants, they can be harmful to hummingbirds and other visiting wildlife.

Experts warn that many insect repellents don’t just target ants, they can also affect beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, and are often less effective than simple, natural approaches like regular cleaning or deterrents such as cinnamon.

Instead, focus on creating a wildlife-friendly space that naturally draws hummingbirds in.

Planting nectar-rich flowers in their favorite shades (red dahlias and vibrant orange zinnias are flowers that attract hummingbirds) will help lure them away from problem areas and into a healthier feeding environment. The corkscrew vine is a wonderful example of a climber that hummingbirds adore.

You can also offer small amounts of fresh fruit as an easy, low-cost way to attract more hummingbirds to your yard.

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FAQs

Does Vaseline or Vegetable Oil Keep Ants Out of Hummingbird Feeders?

It may make surfaces slippery, preventing ants, but wildlife experts firmly advise against it: 'Please do not use any greases to prevent ants from climbing onto hummingbird feeders,' says ornithologist Zach Hutchinson. 'If this grease or oil gets onto the hummingbirds, it can be deadly.'

These oils affect a hummingbird's ability to control its feathers, which then impacts its ability to thermoregulate. With this ability inhibited, hummingbirds can suffer hypothermia or heat exhaustion in a matter of minutes. This method can also kill ants and other beneficial insects, like bees and butterflies, in a most inhumane way.

Avoid this hummingbird feeder mistake by following the steps above, from daily cleaning to careful placement.

To give hummingbirds somewhere to rest and digest their food, it is also important to provide perching or resting spots in your yard, particularly during the hummingbird migration when certain species will travel thousands of miles.

You could add a hummingbird perch into your outdoor space, and our guide has all the information you need.

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If you're looking for the perfect plant to add to your yard for hummingbirds as they return from winter migration, look no further than the corkscrew vine (Cochliasanthus caracalla).

This unique vine is one of the best climbers to attract hummingbirds with spiral shaped, nectar-rich blooms that last through summer to fall. Hardy across USDA zones 9-11, it's the perfect pick for those in warmer climes who can expect hummingbirds to continue visiting all the way into summer. You can actually grow corkscrew vine from seed (using these corkscrew vine seeds on Amazon).

The good news is it's really easy to care for corkscrew vine, as this tender perennial is fast growing and will quicky establish once planted. Following just a few steps in essential care, you can train it to cover pergolas, fences, or trellises, enjoying its intense heady, sweet scent every time you come out into the yard.

Why Hummingbirds Love Corkscrew Vine

The corkscrew vine is one of the best climbers to attract hummingbirds to your yard during the warmest months because of their flowers.

From late spring to fall (in the warmest climes), corkscrew vine has striking spiral blooms. This appearance also earns it the nickname of snail vine. They come in a wide range of colors, from white and creamy yellow to purple.

Kate Schofield is a Homes & Gardens team member based out of LA, and she says it's the best hummingbird plant in her yard.

'The corkscrew vine is one of my favorite plants to keep in a container by my patio door. It makes a wonderful addition to my hummingbird feeding area, where I’m able to watch them come and go all day from my desk,' she explains.

'Not only is it gorgeous, but it smells heavenly and is a magnet for pollinators. The flowers on this plant are so unique and bloom for months, especially in warmer climates.

'The scent of the flowers is so unique and can be smelled from quite far away if the wind is right, but isn’t overwhelming,' she describes.

Just like other flowers that attract hummingbirds (like the popular cape honeysuckle, which is available at Fast Growing Trees), the tubular shape of corkscrew vine is ideal for hummingbirds' long beaks and tongues to access the nectar inside.

Likewise, the brighter colors help attract hummingbirds. That's why you often find hummingbird feeders in red hues (like this Walmart hummingbird feeder).

How to Grow Corkscrew Vine

Corkscrew vine is native to tropical regions of South and Central America. As mentioned, it's best suited to warmer climes (USDA zones 9-11) but it can also be grown as an annual in milder climes.

Here are some key care tips to grow it successfully:

• Position: As a climber, it's important to provide your corkscrew vine with something to climb up. Kate has trained hers up a pergola column, but you can also use a trellis (like this white lattice one from Wayfair) or even a fence. Be aware that it can have an aggressive growing habit, so it's most common to grow it in a container to keep it managed. Lighting wise, these vines do best in full sun with 6-8 hours of direct exposure daily.
• Soil: This vine prefers slightly acidic, loamy, well-draining soil. When growing it in a pot, it's wise to opt for an outdoor potting soil (like this Miracle Gro one on Amazon). You can then make the soil slightly more acidic with amendments like sulfur.
• Water: It's best to give your corkscrew vine consistent moisture, but not allowing it to become waterlogged. They don't do well with drought, and are likely to wilt, drop foliage, and even dieback. Bear in mind it will dry out more quickly in a container, so will need pretty frequent watering during hot summer spells.
• Pruning: There are some pruning requirements to keep your corkscrew vine in fit condition and to manage its size. You should prune in late winter or early spring (just ahead of new growth), focusing on cutting back dead and damaged stems. You can also pinch back tips of stems in spring to encourage bushier growth and more blooms, if you wish. These fast growers can reach 10ft tall in a single summer, so you may also wish to cut them back to maintain a more compact size. Always use clean, sharp tools for this, like these Fiskars loppers from Amazon.
• Fertilizing: Corkscrew vine is a heavy feeder, so we recommend feeding it regularly during the growing season. It's best to use a balanced water soluble fertilizer (like this from Amazon) once a month from late spring to early fall. This will support its rapid growth and encourage more profuse blooms. You can also opt for a bloom booster fertilizer, which tends to be high in phosphorus. This bloom booster from Walmart is a good choice.

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FAQs

When is it Best to Plant Corkscrew Vine?

It's best to plant corkscrew vine in spring once the dangers of frost have passed. As these are topical plants, they don't cope well with frost. Planting in spring allows them to establish and settle, ready to put on rapid growth in summer.

There are so many other invaluable additions to the yard for hummingbirds. The Temple of Bloom Seven-Sons provides nesting spots, as well as nectar-rich bloom later in the season.

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As hummingbirds return north from their winter migration, they seek quiet, resource-filled backyards to rest in. But, you don't need loads of space to create a sanctuary for them – you can simply create a hummingbird planter.

By using the right pot plants, adding a water feature, and placing your planter correctly, you can attract hummingbirds to your yard, even if you only have a patio or balcony to work with. It's all about providing everything these charming birds need in one contained area, which is both invaluable to them and space-saving in your garden.

The best part is there are only three steps to create one – here, the experts share how.

How to Create a Hummingbird Planter

Before jumping in with what to include in your hummingbird planter, you need the right vessel.

You can use any type of planter in your container garden, but a medium-large one will give you more room to work with.

The most important factor to consider is the support the pot provides the plants you choose to grow, so they can thrive and attract hummingbirds.

Those made from natural materials with drainage holes are often best, ensuring optimal moisture management and blending into the yard's landscape effortlessly.

'Choose a lighter colored container (to lessen heat absorption) that is large enough to accommodate the deeper root systems of native plants, approximately 16”,' says Mary Phillips from the National Wildlife Federation.

These terracotta clay pots from Wayfair are a great choice.

1. Plant Up Tubular Blooms

While we may think of blooming trees and cascading climbers as the best plants for hummingbirds, there are plenty of container plants that provide nectar-rich sources.

'Some container plants to choose include bee balm, salvia, zinnias (which you can grow with these Burpee zinnia seeds), and coral bells,' says Lindsey Chastain, homesteader and founder at The Waddle and Cluck.

'All of these come in bright colors and have easy access for the hummingbird's beak,' she explains.

Of course, you can also create a vertical garden in a container using trellis inserts (or this metal obelisk from Wayfair) and climbing vines.

'I recommend coral honeysuckle (which is available to purchase on Amazon). This perennial vine will provide height to the container, and the tubular red and yellow blooms are a favorite of hummingbirds,' says Mary.

'Add a 3-4ft trellis to provide support for the coral honeysuckle and a place for hummingbirds to perch and rest,' she advises.

You may find that a planter box with a trellis (like this wooden one from Amazon) makes growing climbers in a container easier. Plus, they provide more room for planting.

2. Add a Water Source

Just like other birds that visit your yard, hummingbirds look for fresh water sources to clean themselves and drink from. But, they don't use bird baths – instead hummingbirds prefer mist.

'Hummingbirds don't usually visit stagnant bird baths. They prefer moving water, so adding a fine mister to your bird bath nearby to your container,' Lindsey recommends.

Alternatively you can place a shallow dish of water in your container. Adding a water pump will create a fountain effect to provide the mist these birds seek.

This bird bath fountain on Amazon is easy to install.

3. Place Your Container Near Shelter

The final step to creating a hummingbird planter is placing it correctly. Even if you have the best plants for them growing in it, putting it in the wrong spot can hinder your success in attracting them.

'You want some type of shelter nearby like bushes, shrubs, or trees,' says Lindsey.

'Having shelter nearby while the birds are getting nectar helps them feel safe. They have somewhere to escape quickly if a predator comes or something startles them,' she explains.

Placing your container beneath a canopy of trees that attract hummingbirds, for example, can make it a more appealing spot for these birds. Likewise, placing it at least a few feet away from your home will reduce the likelihood of them becoming startled by human activity.

Ultimately, you need your hummingbird planter to be somewhere quiet and undisturbed to best encourage these birds.

Mary also notes to check the requirements of the plants you're growing:

'Most hummingbird-attracting plants thrive in full sun (at least six hours of direct sunlight per day).

'Be sure to also place the container in a location where you can easily observe the hummingbirds that visit!' she adds.

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If you're looking for some more plants to add to your yard for hummingbirds, then the Temple of Bloom Seven-Sons is a great choice. It provides sturdy branches for hummingbird nests, as well as late season blooms for nectar.

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Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is a climbing plant that acts as a magnet for hummingbirds, which are attracted to its nectar-rich tubular flowers. You can even grow trumpet vine in pots to attract hummingbirds into smaller spaces, provided you manage the vigorous climber properly.

The climber has a reputation for its aggressive growth, but that doesn't mean growing them in pots is a pipe dream. There are more compact varieties suitable for large, sun-soaked containers. Give them the support, watering, feeding, pruning, and winter care they need to perform, and you can get a vivid display year after year.

If you like the sound of adding vertical color and nectar for pollinators into a smaller space, there are a few facets of how to grow trumpet vines that you need to understand. Here, we look at seven important factors for enjoying the best display and keeping a trumpet vine under control.

1. Find a Compact Variety

A trumpet vine is a vigorous climbing plant, and some species can grow 40 feet in a season – unmanageable for containers. Thankfully, there are options out there that can make a trumpet vine more container-friendly.

If you want to grow trumpet vine in pots, look for a more compact cultivar of Campsis radicans. You can get less vigorous cultivars bred for smaller gardens. These are ideal climbing plants for pots and will be much more manageable, offering more controlled growth but without sacrificing the flowering.

Varieties such as ‘Indian Summer’ and ‘Flava’ are more compact and less aggressive than other trumpet vine varieties. They are easier to control in large pots and will provide bright blooms, making them perfect container plants for pollinators.

You can get a live Campsis radicans ‘Flava’ plant at Amazon. This native climber has yellow trumpet-shaped flowers that hummingbirds adore. Its size can be controlled in a pot through pruning.

And you can get a live ‘Indian Summer’ trumpet vine plant at Amazon

2. Choose a Suitable Pot

Truthfully, even a more compact trumpet vine needs a large container. Trumpet vine in pots requires a container at least 15-25 gallons in size, usually around 16-24 inches wide and deep to accommodate their deep-growing root network.

Trumpet vine in pots benefits from a heavier pot, made from terracotta or ceramic, to stop the top-heavy plant from tipping over in high winds. Just remember that any planter needs drainage holes in the bottom to prevent waterlogging.

Fill your chosen container with a well-draining potting mix, like this Miracle-Gro potting mix, available at Amazon.

WARNING: As trumpet vines have aggressive roots and spread via suckers, an advantage of containing them in pots is that the potentially invasive climbers are restricted. But it is still advisable to check for roots growing out of the bottom of the container. If you do spot that, cut them back to stop them escaping.

3. Give the Plant Sun

For the maximum number of flowers to attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, trumpet vine in pots wants sun.

The plant will thrive in 6-8 hours of daily sunshine, but can tolerate part-shade, though the flowering will be affected. Too much shade and you may end up with a lot of vines but few flowers.

As well as full sun, the vine also needs shelter against cold winds. A perfect spot may be a sunny and protected corner of a patio or deck, or against a wall, where the climber can scale a trellis.

4. Supports Are a Must

A trumpet vine is a flowering climber. Unsurprisingly, it needs a structure to climb, and one that wants to be put in place when the plant is small.

This support can be a trellis or an obelisk, such as this iron obelisk at Wayfair that can be placed in a large container and provide a stunning backdrop for a trumpet vine to climb.

If the trumpet vine is placed next to a wall, you can mount a wooden hanging trellis like this on Amazon for it to grow up.

Alternatively, you can get a raised bed with an attached trellis at Walmart that is perfect for climbing plants. You can plant the trumpet vine in the bed or sink a pot-grown vine in the planting area and allow the stems to scramble up the attached trellis.

Start training the climber when it is young by tying young shoots to the structure using soft ties, such as these plant ties at Amazon.

5. Water and Feed Plants Regularly

Climbers growing in containers always need more watering and fertilizing than plants growing in the ground. While trumpet vines in the ground usually only need watering during extended dry periods once established, and are usually so vigorous that they can thrive without regular feeding, it is a different story when growing in pots.

The soil in containers can dry out quickly when temperatures rise, and flourishing plants can speedily use up all the nutrients in the potting mix. Regular deep watering is essential to keep the soil consistently moist in summer, potentially twice a week or more during hot spells.

Plus, the plant will benefit from a balanced feed in spring, using a product like this all-purpose plant food available at Burpee. This should be followed up with at least a monthly high-potassium feed (such as this tomato fertilizer with kelp at Amazon) to provide them with all the essential nutrients needed to flower.

6. Prune Hard Every Year

Annual hard pruning helps to keep the trumpet vine in pots contained and control its overall size – making this task an important part of any maintenance plan.

Prune a trumpet vine in late winter or early spring. Don’t be afraid of pruning hard, as the climber flowers on new growth – the vines it produces that season. Cut all the growth back to around 12 inches. This is the best technique when growing it in pots to keep it controlled in a smaller space.

It is essential to wear gloves when doing any trimming of trumpet vines, as the plant’s sap can cause skin irritation.

Make sure any pruning tools are clean and sharp. A pair of pruning shears (like this pair of Corona bypass pruners at Garden Goods Direct) is likely to be the best tool for this hard annual pruning, but any stems over an inch wide will need loppers.

7. Protect It in Winter

Trumpet vines are hardy through US hardiness zones 4 to 10 when growing in the ground. But the roots are more exposed when growing in pots, so their hardiness is reduced.

In climates that experience cold winters, gardeners growing trumpet vine in pots should take steps to overwinter the plants. This can be as simple as moving the container to a sheltered position against a wall to protect the plants from frost.

Or the pot can be wrapped for winter in frost cloth, burlap (you can get a roll of burlap at Amazon), or winter pot covers to insulate the roots against freezing temperatures.

If you are looking for more uncommon vertical plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies in a wildlife garden, this guide to underrated climbers includes some fascinating evergreen and semi-evergreen plants that are known to attract wildlife, including pollinators, songbirds, and beneficial insects.

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Hummingbirds are returning north after waiting out winter down south. On their journey, they seek backyards that offer their favorite flowers, nesting spots, and a safe retreat from predators – and there's one tree that does it all: the Temple Bloom Seven-Son Flower (Heptacodium miconioides).

It's one of the best trees to attract hummingbirds, offering them year-round support. In spring, the Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower (available from Proven Winners) has lush foliage on its layered, airy branches, making the perfect hummingbird nesting spot. Come late summer, the branches are adorned with fragrant nectar-rich flowers which hummingbirds feed from before setting off south.

The best part is it's incredibly easy to grow Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower for hummingbirds. It thrives across USDA zones 5-9 and makes the perfect addition to a sunny spot in the yard. Here, I delve into why it's a top choice if you only add one plant to your yard for these charming birds this spring, plus some tips on how to grow it successfully.

Why Hummingbirds Love Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower

Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower (which is also available from Nature Hills) is one of the best plants to attract hummingbirds because it supports them year-round.

In spring, as hummingbirds return from their migration, the Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower is full of lush green foliage adorning layered, airy branches. This provides the perfect spot for hummingbirds to build their nests for the nesting period (typically March-July).

They're not cavity-nesters, but rather construct cup-shaped nests directly on branches, and the branches of Temple Bloom provides some structure for this.

The foliage also provides some coverage to conceal hummingbirds from predators, such as birds of prey, cats, and rodents. Alongside their nests being built of lichen, moss, and feathers, this camouflages them.

For this reason, it makes one of the best shrubs to create shelter for hummingbirds.

As nesting season comes an end and preparations begin for the hummingbird migration, the Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower's buds burst open.

It provides late-season flowers from mid-to-late summer into fall. They're white, fragrant, and provide a vital source of nectar for hummingbirds just as other sources are fading away.

An added bonus is that the Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower has extended seasonal interest. Once the fragrant flowers fade, red-pink bracts appear, creating an appearance of a second bloom and offering some fall color.

How to Grow Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower

Native to China, the Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower can be grown across USDA zones 5-9, reaching a height and spread between 6-10ft.

Here are some key tips to get the most out of it in your garden:

• Light: Best in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. Ensure six hours of direct sun for vigorous growth and blooms. Brighter light will encourage brighter red bracts in fall.
• Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of soil types. Ensure it's well-draining and moderately fertile for best results. You can use a soil test kit (from Amazon) to check your soil health and improve your garden soil accordingly.
• Water: Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower requires consistent moisture levels, especially in its first year. Once established, it becomes more drought-tolerant. Use this soil moisture meter from Amazon to monitor moisture levels.
• Pruning: This is one of the flowering trees to prune in early spring. Even though flowers only emerge in summer they start to develop buds in spring, so it's key to prune early in the season to ensure you don't cut off the buds. You should only remove weak, diseased, and damaged branches, plus any overcrowded branches that are minimizing airflow. Use these sharp Fiskars bypass pruning shears from Amazon to make clean cuts.
• Fertilizing: These shrubs don't require much fertilizer. They're extremely low-maintenance once established. But, if you have particularly poor soil, you could use a slow-release fertilizer (like these tree and shrub food spikes from Amazon) in early spring to support new growth.

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FAQs

When is it Best to Plant Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower?

It's best to plant these trees in either fall or early spring. These milder seasons provide warm, workable soil that allow roots to settle and establish without the heat stress of summer.

There are also plenty of native spring flowers to attract hummingbirds to grow this season and support the wildlife in your yard.

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As hummingbirds head back from their winter migration, they seek backyards rich in food and water sources. But, unlike many other garden birds including American robins, you're unlikely to find hummingbirds using your bird bath. Instead, these tiny winged creatures are more accustomed to a gentle mist to cool off and clean their feathers.

If you're keen to attract hummingbirds this spring, it's vital to provide the right kind of water source. While their small legs make traditional bird baths too deep and the water too heavy, you can simply add a bird bath fountain pump (like this from Amazon) to provide a light and refreshing mist for them.

Hummingbird experts note that even the sound of running water in your yard can attract them. Here, they explain more about why hummingbirds prefer mist over a bird bath and all the ways you can incorporate this in your yard.

Why Do Hummingbirds Prefer Mist?

'Hummingbirds are tiny little birds, with legs made for perching rather than standing, and therefore most bird baths are too deep for them,' explains Maria Kincaid, an ornithologist from FeatherSnap.

'Water is also heavy as it soaks their feathers, which can throw off the aerodynamics of a bird that already requires a lot of energy to be able to fly in the way hummingbirds do,' she adds.

Instead, hummingbirds seek a gentle, light spritz to clean their feathers, cool off, and stay hydrated.

'Bathing in a mist allows hummingbirds to get the water they need for proper feather maintenance, as well as cool off on particularly hot days,' Maria explains.

But, this isn't to say they won't use bird baths at all. It just needs to be accessible.

'While they will use very shallow traditional bird baths, most of their bathing in nature is on leaf surfaces that gather water from rain or collect dew, in a fine mist-like rain, or the mist produced from fast-moving or falling water, like waterfalls,' Maria explains.

Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to provide water for these birds, just in time for when hummingbirds will return to your garden from the south.

3 Ways to Provide Water for Hummingbirds

As Maria explains, hummingbirds largely use morning dew, rain, and moisture from leaves to stay refreshed. This means one of the best ways to provide water is by having lots of trees that attract hummingbirds.

'Consider also providing perching spots. Once the hummingbirds have flown through their shower, they’ll find a place to perch and preen their feathers, making sure they’re nicely cared for,' Maria advises.

These pretty hummingbird swings from Amazon are a good choice. Just hang them up in trees.

Besides this, there are also a few ways to provide additional mist and water for hummingbirds:

1. Add a Solar Fountain to Your Bird Bath

'The sound of a mister or fountain in your yard will attract hummingbirds, along with many other birds, to the fact that there is water available,' Maria says.

'I recommend adding a solar water pump fountain (like this one from Walmart) to your bird bath,' she adds.

You can also purchase a bird bath with the mister and pump built in, like this one from Wayfair.

2. Keep Your Bird Bath Shallow

Of course, placing a bird bath in your yard is a vital way to help a wide range of garden birds. You can make it more useful to hummingbirds by keeping it shallow enough for them to use.

'The water needs to be extremely shallow, less than 3/4 of an inch, just a thin layer,' explains wildlife expert David M. Burrows.

'Or, for something easier, place floating objects or rocks in your bird bath for hummingbirds to land on (like these pollinator water islands from Walmart).

'This will also make your bird bath accessible to butterflies and bees,' he adds.

3. Set Up a Sprinkler

Another way to create mist for hummingbirds is with your sprinkler.

'Set a sprinkler on a timer to mist your yard without wasting water,' says Siobhan Shaw from Growing to Give.

An oscillating sprinkler (like this one from Walmart) can be a good choice, as it provides movement for the hummingbirds to fly through. You can use a sprinkler timer attachment (from Amazon) for more convenience.

'Add a hummingbird feeder (like this one from Amazon) and bright native spring flowers for hummingbirds, and you’ve created a little oasis that keeps these jewels coming back,' Siobhan advises.

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'Another magical thing about hummingbirds is that they remember your exact location if it’s a good stop while migrating or just cruising the neighborhood. So, a well-planned habitat for them this year will keep them coming back for future,' says David.

For this reason, it can be a good idea to plant some shrubs to create shelter for hummingbirds to transform your yard into a safe haven for them.

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As gardens hit their lush, midsummer stride and borders brim with bloom, there’s no greater thrill than the sudden whirr of a hummingbird darting through dappled shade. These jewel-like visitors may be fleeting, but the right flowering shrubs can turn a cool, sheltered corner into a reliable nectar stop.

While sun-loving blooms often steal the spotlight, there are plenty of shade-tolerant shrubs that offer the rich, tubular flowers hummingbirds depend on – even in the quieter, leafier parts of the yard.

Hummingbirds require nectar. The energy it provides is essential for their intense metabolic demands. They rapidly beat their wings at about 40–80 beats per second as they flit from one flower source to another (or whilst they are at a feeder, just like this beautiful glass one from Amazon). With that in mind, choosing the right plants can make all the difference – and below, you’ll find five expert-approved shrubs that will keep them coming back.

1. Impatiens

Ben Team, editor-in-chief of FootstepsInTheForest.com, recommends impatiens – especially Impatiens walleriana – for attracting hummingbirds in shaded spaces.

‘Available in an array of colors, these flowers grow as perennials in the southern portions of the U.S., but they’re typically treated as annuals in cooler climates,’ he says.

Hardy in USDA Zones 10–11, impatiens are best planted out in late spring once the risk of frost has passed, quickly bulking up into neat, floriferous mounds.

By midsummer, when many shade borders can begin to feel a little flat, impatiens come into their own – producing a steady stream of nectar-rich blooms in pinks, purples, reds and whites that hummingbirds will repeatedly return to.

Their shallow, open flowers make feeding easy, particularly in sheltered corners where birds feel safe lingering a little longer. They don't love windy yards, so it's worth bearing in mind that there are shrubs and plants that will make hummingbirds feel safe.

They make vibrant bedding plants and are among the best container choices for shade, ideal for brightening patios, porches, and north-facing window boxes. For a long season of color, keep plants well-watered and deadhead lightly to encourage continuous flowering right through to the first fall chills.

Try the 'Candy Box' impatiens mix, available from Burpee, for a painterly blend of pink and purple tones.

2. Cardinal Flower

Taylor Kennedy Frenchi, a conservation biologist at Texan by Nature, says, 'One plant that is well-loved by hummingbirds is the cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), which has elongated, tube-like blossoms that are vibrant red.

'This native bellflower grows well in shady conditions and blossoms from summer to fall,' she says, adding that it requires moist conditions.

You can buy cardinal flower seeds from Amazon. It's a wonderful plant for attracting butterflies, too.

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3. Bleeding Heart

Wildlife expert Tommy Wylde recommends Dicentra spectabilis for shady gardens looking to charm hummingbirds.

‘This plant has heart-shaped, pink-to-red flowers that dangle enticingly from a stem,’ he says. ‘The color and shape of the flowers make them perfect for attracting hummingbirds, especially in late spring when these shade-loving blooms are at their peak.’

Bleeding hearts thrive in part to full shade and prefer consistently moist, well-drained soil. A top dressing of compost in early spring encourages strong growth and prolongs flowering, while mulch can help keep roots cool as temperatures rise.

Hardy in USDA Zones 3–9, they perform beautifully in woodland borders, shady beds, or tucked alongside ferns and hostas. You can shop for bleeding heart plants at Amazon.

4. Coral Honeysuckle

You could also plant coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) – a suggestion from Christina. Although this climbing plant may bloom best with full sun, it can also grow in filtered light, she says.

'With evergreen leaves, this vine produces bright, red tubular flowers in the shape of a trumpet’s horn, providing a perfect fit for a hummingbird’s long bill to retrieve sweet nectar.

'This vine can be pruned and trained to follow a trellis or tree as it grows up, or can be planted as a ground cover,' she continues. It can tolerate most types of soils, apart from dry sandy ones, she adds.

You can find coral honeysuckle plants from Burpee.

5. Foxglove

Foxgloves are another suggestion from Tommy Wylde, who calls them a ‘hummingbird magnet.’

Digitalis produce tall spikes of tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white, perfectly shaped for hummingbirds to hover and sip nectar with ease. Their vertical blooms are especially attractive because birds can feed while remaining partly hidden from predators, making shady borders or woodland edges ideal planting spots.

You can find the most beautiful 'Artic Fox' lemon cream foxglove from Fast Growing Trees.

Foxgloves thrive in partial shade and need well-drained soil, Tommy notes. ‘The plants need to be watered during dry spells, and add a layer of mulch to keep the roots cool.’

Hardy in USDA Zones 4–10, foxgloves are typically grown as biennials, forming rosettes in the first year and sending up striking flowering spikes in the second.

If you're looking for more ways to attract these winged wonders, consider planting native spring flowers to attract hummingbirds, or learning how to make hummingbird food – it's easy with our guide.

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During their spring migration, hummingbirds fly thousands of miles across land and sea to make it back to their breeding grounds in the US, passing through multiple cities on the way. Hummingbird sightings in urban areas are pretty common, and there are simple ways you can help them by making your balcony safer and more attractive to these winged beauties.

With so many glazed buildings, artificial light at night and the lack of vegetation in many urban areas, this stretch of the journey can be particularly hazardous for these tiny avian acrobats.

Whether you live in a city or the suburbs, making your balcony hummingbird-friendly will be a delight for you, and will offer much needed support for them too. Discover the simple tips ornithologists and wildlife experts suggest.

How common are hummingbirds in cities?

As they migrate across the United States, hummingbirds can be found in many major cities under the four main flyways (Pacific, Central, Mississippi and Atlantic), though the species present varies by region and season.

'In the eastern half of the country, along the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways, the most widespread species is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the only hummingbird that regularly breeds there,' explains Chad Witko, Specialist in Avian Biology at the National Audubon Society.

'During the warmer months, it occurs in cities such as Chicago, St. Louis, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston, where parks, gardens, and native plants provide nectar and insect resources, as well as habitat for breeding.

'In the South, diversity can increase in winter. Around New Orleans, for example, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird may occur year-round and can be joined in winter by more western species such as Black-chinned Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, and Buff-bellied Hummingbird.

Brad goes on to describe the different species that dominate western cities. 'Around Denver, in the Central Flyway, the most common hummingbirds are the Black-chinned Hummingbird and Broad-tailed Hummingbird,' he says. 'Along the Pacific Flyway, in Los Angeles, the familiar urban hummingbirds are Anna’s Hummingbird and Allen’s Hummingbird.'

In Seattle, the Anna’s Hummingbird (a species that has expanded northward along the Pacific Coast over the past century) is now a common year-round resident, while the Rufous Hummingbird occurs primarily during the breeding season and migration.

'Overall, hummingbirds are remarkably adaptable to urban environments, taking advantage of flowering plants and supplemental feeders in parks and gardens, and potted plants on balconies, across many North American cities,' says Chad.

Check Hummingbird Central's spring migration map, so you can be prepared for their arrival in your city – and follow the steps ahead to pamper and protect these intrepid travellers as they pass through.

Here are the top five ways to make a balcony hummingbird friendly.

1. Grow native flowers and climbers in containers

Attracting hummingbirds to your balcony can be surprisingly simple. Food and flowers are the most obvious lure, especially native blooms, which provide nectar in its natural state.

A container garden filled with the hummers favorite flowers will provide much-needed sustenance for these pollinators, as well as make your balcony burst with color and cool it down during the summer.

'Growing flowers in planters on your balcony is a great way to welcome hummingbirds,' says Erika Zambello, communications director, National Audubon society. 'Hummingbirds especially love cardinal flowers, jewelweed, and trumpet honeysuckle.

'They are particularly attracted to bright colors at the warm end of the color spectrum - so look for those for your containers. Choose native plants based on your area using Audubon's handy Plants for Birds database.'

On smaller balconies with space constraints vertical planting with climbing vines along a tall trellis–or flower-filled hanging planters will turn your outside space into a hummingbird haven.

Cardinal flowers love moist soil, so will require a lot of watering. Native honeysuckles are lower maintenance and this major wheeler honeysuckle from Nature Hills can be grown easily in containers and trained to climb over balcony railings or a trellis. It's suitable for US Hardiness zone 4-8.

Also known as jewelweed, these Impatiens seeds from True Leaf Market can be started indoors 10-12 weeks before the final frost.

2. Choose native plants that will bloom throughout the seasons

Once hummingbirds start to arrive in spring, they will be passing through some states and feeding and breeding in others until they make their exit again in the fall. Growing flowers with bloom times that coincide with their arrival and departure will make your outside space more friendly for these feathered wonders.

'Native plants are really the backbone of what hummingbirds rely on,' says Sean Graesser, biologist and director, Wild Bird Research Group. 'Ideally, an outside space should have at least three different nectar-producing plants blooming in each part of the season, spring, summer, and fall, so there’s always something available when hummingbirds pass through or are raising young.

'In eastern balconies and gardens, good spring plants include things like native columbine and native wild honeysuckle, which provide some of the first nectar sources as hummingbirds arrive.

'Through the summer, plants like bee balm, cardinal flower, and trumpet vine become important food sources. And in late summer into fall, species such late-blooming salvias can help sustain hummingbirds as they prepare for migration. The key is creating a continuous bloom calendar, so there’s never a gap in nectar availability.'

These mixed Salvia seeds from True Leaf Market can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the final frost for summer blooms.

'Most commonly the flowers that tend to attract hummingbirds are red tubular-shaped flowers, but they will visit orange, red-yellow, pink, and other colors of flowers as well,' says Jen McGuinness, author, Bird-friendly Gardening. 'Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is a native perennial that will grow in a large container.'

This Jacob Cline Monarda from Burpee with its bright red blooms is a hummingbird magnet. Suitable for zones 4-9, it blooms in summer and loves a sunny spot.

3. Hang nectar feeders

Next to growing native flowers that attract hummingbirds on your balcony, is hanging nectar feeders. If you don't have a green thumb, this is a simple way to draw these feathered foragers to your outdoor space.

'In the eastern US, where Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the primary species, people can put feeders out by late March or early April in the South and mid-to late April farther north,' says Sean.

'There’s no risk in putting them out a little early, feeders don’t cause hummingbirds to migrate sooner, they just support birds that are already moving through. A simple mixture of four parts water to one part white sugar works perfectly; there’s no need for red dyes or commercial additives.'

This charming 16oz hummingbird feeder from Ace Hardware is made from red glass and has a metal hook and four feeding ports.

'It's important to locate your feeder within three feet of your glass windows,' says Erika. 'I know, this is counterintuitive, but if the feeder is within three feet of glass, birds won't have time to gain speed if they accidentally hit the window. As an added tip, add some perches near your feeder. You can buy them from a bird supply store or make them out of straightened wire hangers.'

A cute hummingbird swing from Ace Hardware would provide a place to perch for those with weary wings.

'Clean hummingbird feeders every 2-3 days under normal conditions, and every other day in warm weather, or daily in extreme heat, and always immediately if the nectar appears cloudy,' adds Chad. 'Use hot water and a scrubbing tool, like a bottle brush, to thoroughly clean the sides of the reservoir and all ports. Do not use soap, as it can leave harmful residues.'

These cleaning brushes from Ace Hardware would be suitable.

4. Create shelter with shrubs and small trees

Small trees and shrubs can offer shelter and a place to perch for weary hummingbirds during migration (assuming your balcony can accommodate large containers). Native species which can double up as a nectar source are particularly appealing to hummers. These plants will of course provide privacy and shade for you too.

'Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera) is a medium-size shrub with small yellow flowers that attract hummingbirds,' says Jen. 'It is also tolerant of urban pollution, making it a good candidate to include in an inner-city environment.

'Although, it does share the same common name—bush honeysuckle—as the invasive Lonicera japonica, so make sure you add the correct variety to your outside space.'

This native Bush honeysuckle from Nature Hill's is often used as a hedging plant and can be grown in pots on a balcony in zones 4-8. It's cold hardy, low-maintenance and loves sun and partial shade.

'Native vegetation offers shelter and nesting sites, along with the soft plant materials and spider silk that hummingbirds use to construct nests,' says Chad. 'Native plants are especially beneficial because they support hummingbirds throughout their life cycle.

This green mountain boxwood from Nature Hill's is suitable for containers. As well as offering shelter, it produces tiny flowers in spring, which attract pollinators including hummingbirds.

5. Prevent window strikes

Whether you have the time and space to create a container garden, or hang hummingbird feeders, there are other important things you can do to make a balcony humming-bird friendly. Cities are hazardous spaces for these captivating creatures–and not just because of the lack of natural food sources.

'The huge amount of glass and artificial light can disorient hummingbirds as they're migrating or as they're looking for places to feed and rest,' says Erika. 'Bird-window collisions occur when light confuses the birds and/or they mistake glass for open sky.

'However, you can make your windows bird friendly by installing an outside blind, closing indoor curtains or blinds, or making a pattern on the glass.'

Fixing screens, applying bird tape, or hanging bird savers break up expanses of glass according to National Audubon Society. Even partially open indoor shutters and venetian blinds create a striped pattern that can help to distort reflections in windows.

Jen adds that window collisions are one of the leading direct human causes of bird mortality and the risk increases in the spring and fall due to migration.

'The threat exists both during the day or night,' says Jen. 'During the day, glass can reflect the surrounding landscape in windows—including trees and vegetation—which birds can mistake as a safe spot to fly toward.

'While reflectivity is a major problem for birds, transparency of glass is also a cause of collisions. Window decals can also be applied to glass windows, which will help birds “see” the “break” in the window reflection,' says Jen.

Try this bird deflector window film from Lowe's on large expanses of glass. Containing six 4'x4' pieces, the decals can be easily applied or removed without adhesive.

When to expect the hummingbirds return from migration will obviously depend where you live. Yet, there is much that urban balcony gardeners can do to support and attract these petite pollinators.

Anticipation of their arrival can help you prepare a banquet of blooms. Although, as you can see, you don't have to be a gardener to make your balcony hummingbird-friendly. Simple strategies like window decals and nectar feeders can save lives and support these charming creatures too.

The best time to put out a hummingbird feeder depends on where you live – and what time of year it is. Each spring, hummingbirds migrate north from their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America, and the timing of their arrival can vary by several weeks across the US.

In the southern states, the first hummingbirds may arrive as early as late February or March, while gardeners in the Midwest and Northeast typically won’t see them until April or even May. These long journeys are exhausting for such tiny birds, and early spring weather can be unpredictable, with cold snaps, storms, and limited natural food sources along the way.

If flowers that attract hummingbirds are yet to bloom, hanging your feeder out a week or two before hummingbirds usually arrive in your area ensures there’s a reliable source of nectar waiting for them when they get there – especially during cold or unsettled spring weather.

Using Migration Maps For Your Specific Area

'After migration, hummingbirds are desperate to replenish their energy,' explains Tammy Poppie of birdwatching blog OnTheFeeder.com. 'In many areas, the flowers they rely on for nectar haven’t started blooming yet, so feeders can provide a valuable early-season food source.'

If you’re not sure when to expect these birds to return to your area, you can check a migration map, such as the one at Journey North, says Kelsey Waddell a backyard bird expert of Wildbirdscoop.com. Hummingbird Central is another example.

These maps allow you to see when hummingbirds were first sighted in your area last spring, and will give you a good idea of when to expect them to return. People can track hummingbird sightings for the current year, too.

Shop Hummingbird Feeders

Put Hummingbird Feeders Out Early

'It’s a good idea to set out your hummingbird feeder sooner than you expect the hummingbirds to return; around two weeks early is a good rule of thumb,' says Kelsey. 'This gives birds time to spot your feeder and build it into their daily routine.'

If you wait until you notice the first hummingbird in your yard, they may already be moving through the area and simply never clock your feeder as a reliable food source.

In 2026, timing a little earlier than usual could be especially helpful. Spring is shaping up to be uneven in many parts of the US, with lingering cool spells in northern and central regions and earlier warmth in parts of the South.

When spring weather stalls, natural nectar sources often lag behind migrating birds, creating a brief gap between arrival and bloom time. Putting feeders out ahead of schedule helps bridge that gap, offering an easy energy boost during cold snaps, storms, or late frosts.

To give hummingbirds the best chance of finding food, place your hummingbird feeder in a visible, sheltered spot near planting areas they already frequent.

Refresh nectar every few days (more often during warm spells), and clean hummingbird feeders regularly. Old sugar water ferments quickly and can deter birds – and sticky residue is more likely to attract insects than hummingbirds.

When to Put Out Feeders by Region

Southeast & Gulf States: Late February to early March
Hummingbirds are often among the first migrants to arrive here, with early sightings possible from late February into March. In warmer southern and coastal areas, some species may even appear sporadically through winter.

Earlier warm spells in parts of the Southeast could encourage early movement, so having feeders ready by the end of February is a smart move.

Mid-Atlantic: Late March
Spring arrival typically falls in late March through April, depending on how quickly temperatures rise. If cooler weather lingers into early April, feeders can be especially helpful before spring flowers fully open.

Midwest & Great Lakes: Early to mid-April
Hummingbirds usually appear from mid-April into early May, once nights begin to warm. In years when spring warms slowly, early-arriving birds may find fewer blooms, so setting feeders out at the earlier end of this window can make a noticeable difference.

Northeast & New England: Mid to late April
Arrival is often later here, with many gardeners spotting their first hummingbirds from late April into May. Late cold snaps can delay flowering, so having nectar available before leaves fully unfurl helps cover that early-season gap.

Mountain West & High Elevations: Late April (earlier at lower elevations, later in mountain zones)
Timing varies widely with elevation. Lower valleys may see hummingbirds in April, while mountain areas often don’t welcome them until May. Snowpack and cold nights can slow the return of insects and blooms, making feeders particularly useful in exposed or high-altitude gardens.

West Coast: Late February to March in California; March to April further north
Some hummingbirds are present year-round in parts of California, while migrating species move north through the West Coast in spring. Coastal areas often warm earlier than inland regions, so timing may differ even within the same state.

With a little planning – and an eye on the seasons where you live – putting out your hummingbird feeder at the right moment will attract hummingbirds and can turn your garden into a welcome rest stop for these tiny travelers.

Time it well, keep nectar fresh, and you’ll be rewarded with front-row seats to one of nature’s most joyful spring rituals.

Honeysuckle is a popular plant within the Lonicera genus, which includes around 160 different species native to various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. While there is a glorious diversity of honeysuckles, you are always better off planting native varieties in your garden.

Where there are good options, there must be bad ones. These are the invasive non-native species that are always best avoided, as they grow quickly and overtake local flora. While they may look attractive, they can suppress native plants and harm local biodiversity and wildlife.

If you want to grow honeysuckle, opt for native plants. They are better suited to your soil and climate, and their nectar and berries support a wide range of pollinators and birds. Here, we take a look at some of the best native honeysuckle that not only look gorgeous but will be adored by bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, birds, and more.

5 of the Best Honeysuckles for a Wildlife-Friendly Garden

We want to help you make the smartest decisions for your garden and local wildlife, so this guide reveals five of the best native honeysuckle shrubs. Plus, we reveal some of the worst non-native honeysuckles to avoid planting in your yard.

Ahead of planting climbing honeysuckle, it is advisable to have the support or trellis in place beforehand. Such a structure could be a trellis, pergola, arch, wires, or an arbor, such as this attractive metal arbor for climbing plants at Wayfair.

1. Coral Honeysuckle

Lonicera sempervirens is commonly known as both coral honeysuckle and trumpet honeysuckle. It is native to the eastern United States, and a hugely popular native honeysuckle species for any gardener looking to establish a buzzing wildlife garden.

The vigorous vine produces tubular coral-red flowers that are a magnet for hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and moths. Then come red berries in fall that are popular with birds, including finches, robins, waxwings, and other songbirds.

You can grow coral honeysuckle in US hardiness zones 4-9, in either full sun or part shade. The flowering climber works perfectly when scrambling over a trellis, fence, or arbor. If you want a climber to attract hummingbirds, this one should top your list.

You can get a live coral honeysuckle plant at Amazon to add to your garden

2. Yellow Honeysuckle

Yellow Honeysuckle (Lonicera flava) is a fast-growing climbing plant native to the central and eastern United States.

It is a woody native honeysuckle species that produces tubular, fragrant yellow flowers with protruding stamens, which provide perfect access for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. The strong night-time fragrance of the plant also attracts nocturnal pollinators to the native plant, such as moths.

In late summer and fall, the vines' reddish-orange berries draw in birds such as thrushes, warblers, robins, and bullfinches.

A yellow honeysuckle is suitable for US hardiness zones 5-8, and will flower best when planted in the full sun. It can grow to 10-20 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide, and can be grown to cover a fence, trellis, shed, or other structure.

3. Orange honeysuckle

Orange honeysuckle (Lonicera ciliosa) is native to the northwest United States, where it is commonly seen growing in woodlands and forest edges.

This native honeysuckle has gloriously large trumpet-shaped orange-yellow flowers in early summer, which make it a magnet for hummingbirds and their long beaks. The flowers are not fragrant, but do stand out impressively against the large, ovate, dark green leaves.

An orange honeysuckle is also a great option to attract butterflies, as it is known as a host plant for caterpillars that develop into several species of native butterflies and moths. As with others on this list, the fruit also provides essential food for birds later in the season.

Orange honeysuckle is suitable for zones 5-9 and can reach heights of 10-20 feet. It has a natural sprawling growth habit, so the climbing plant needs support. This can include growing it up a garden arbor or trellis. It can be planted in full sun or partial shade, but it prefers moist, well-draining soil.

You can get a live orange honeysuckle at Amazon

4. American Fly Honeysuckle

Not all loniceras are large, climbing plants. A good example of a more shrubby honeysuckle is Lonicera canadensis, known as the American fly honeysuckle or Canada fly honeysuckle. It is seen through southern Canadian provinces and the northeastern US states.

This deciduous native honeysuckle shrub reaches 3-6 feet in height. Its pale yellow spring flowers are perfect for migrating hummingbirds and pollinators looking for a food source early in the season. The fruits appear as a pair of small red berries on long stalks, and are eaten by robins, goldfinch, mockingbirds, and more.

An American fly honeysuckle is a woodland plant that prefers moist soil and a shadier planting spot. It can thrive as a shade-loving plant under a tree and even grow in full shade.

5. Twinberry Honeysuckle

Lonicera involucrata goes by many names, so you may hear it called twinberry honeysuckle, bearberry honeysuckle, California honeysuckle, bracted honeysuckle, or the black twinberry honeysuckle.

Don’t get confused by all the names; the important thing to remember is that it is native to large parts of North America, from southern Canada down to northwestern Mexico, and it benefits many native insects, birds, and mammals.

The yellow long-lasting blooms appear in pairs and are surrounded by showy bracts. The flowers attract large numbers of bees, along with butterflies and hummingbirds. Birds and small mammals adore the berries that follow.

A twinberry honeysuckle is very versatile. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to part shade. Reaching heights of 6-12 feet, it is highly ornamental and can bring year-round interest to flower beds or be used as an attractive, low-maintenance plant for garden screening.

You can get a live twinberry honeysuckle from Cache Valley Mountain Plants

What Are the Non-Native Honeysuckles to Avoid?

Now you’ve seen this selection of native honeysuckles, you may understandably want to know which honeysuckles are invasive. The following six are invasive plants that will aggressively spread and can out-compete local plants.

• Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
• Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii)
• Morrow’s honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii)
• Tartarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica)
• Winter honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima)
• Bell’s honeysuckle (Lonicera x bella)

These invasive climbers can rapidly spread throughout an area as birds feed on the fruits and spread the seeds far and wide. The birds don’t benefit from eating the berries of non-native honeysuckles, as they are not as rich in fats and nutrients, but they unwittingly help the invasive species spread.

Even if you have a smaller space, you can still enjoy the fragrant blooms of a honeysuckle by growing it in a pot. It may sound surprising, but honeysuckle, including native honeysuckle, can thrive in larger containers in a small yard or on a deck, patio, or courtyard.

For the best chance of success when growing honeysuckle in pots, place the containers in dappled sun or part-shade. The containers should also be filled with a potting mix that is both well-draining and moisture-retentive.

Whether in the ground or containers, native honeysuckle will benefit from regular pruning. When you prune honeysuckle, the right time depends on the flowering. Early-flowering varieties are trimmed after blooming, while late bloomers are pruned in late winter or early spring.

Even in the heart of winter, it’s possible to create a garden that continues to nurture wildlife. While most plants lie dormant and nectar is scarce, a few carefully chosen winter bloomers can provide essential food for hummingbirds, keeping your garden alive with movement and color.

For gardeners in mild climates across the South and West Coast, planting the right shrubs and perennials means these tiny, jewel-like visitors don’t have to wait until spring to return from migration. From the early-flowering manzanitas of California to vibrant cape honeysuckle in the southern states, these plants not only offer a vital cold-season nectar source to help you care for hummingbirds in winter, but also bring winter color and even fragrance to your garden.

Not all hardiness zones can support winter blooms, but for USDA zones 8–10, planting for winter hummingbirds is possible. In this guide, we’ve highlighted five of the best winter-blooming plants in warm zones that will help you create a hummingbird-friendly sanctuary. Each is hardy in its region and simple to grow, so you can enjoy hummingbirds’ iridescent presence all season long.

1. Winter jasmine

In milder climates, shrubs such as winter jasmine (and similar early-flowering species) can put on a display in late winter, offering some nectar when few alternatives exist to attract hummingbirds.

Many early-flowering shrubs tolerate USDA zones roughly 8–9, depending on species.

Winter jasmine, or Jasminum nudiflorum, will illuminate your garden in winter, adding a burst of yellow blooms on bare branches when all else appears muted.

Winter jasmine can serve as a nectar bridges in transitional seasons, from deep winter into early spring, especially as part of layered planting schemes to support hummingbirds.

You can help them even further in a warmer garden by teaming nectar-rich plants with a hummingbird feeder (like this red one from Amazon).

2. Manzanita

Manzanita literally translates as 'little apple' for its tiny round fruits that develop in spring.

As a California native plant, many varieties of manzanita bloom in late winter to early spring, offering one of the earliest natural nectar sources for hummingbirds when few other plants are in flower.

Urn-shaped blossoms, typically white or pale pink, provide nectar for hummingbirds in mild Mediterranean-climate regions when other food sources are scarce.

Most manzanitas do well in zones 8–10. They are best grown in well-drained soil, and prefer a very dry and sunny spot to thrive.

3. Grevillea

Certain winter-flowering grevilleas are well suited to mild, Mediterranean- or subtropical-type climates and offer nectar in winter. Their long, brush-style blooms are attractive to nectar-feeding birds.

Grevillea generally thrives in mild-winter zones along the West Coast or other temperate coastal zones. It is a drought-tolerant, hardy plant that enjoys full sun. It's spiked foliage brings structure and texture to a flower bed.

It is best grown with good drainage, and often under conditions similar to those preferred by manzanitas.

If you want to try growing one from scratch, you can find grevillea seeds at Amazon.

4. Cape Honeysuckle

Cape honeysuckle is an evergreen shrub produces tubular, trumpet-shaped orange and red flowers, often blooming from fall through winter and into spring in warm climates, making it a reliable winter nectar source for hummingbirds.

Hardy in USDA zones 9–11, cape honeysuckle thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and once established it tolerates drought. Because of its vigorous growth habit, regular pruning is needed if used as hedge or shrub.

You can find live cape honeysuckle plants at Amazon.

5. Red Buckeye

Red Buckeye, Aesculus pavia, is native to the south-eastern US where winters are mild. It starts flowering late winter, offering early-season nectar to returning or resident hummingbirds.

Red buckeye naturally grows in USDA zones 7–9. As a deciduous shrub, it works well in woodland or semi-shaded gardens, particularly when combined with hummingbird feeders and other nectar plants to bolster potential food sources.

Stocking up on the hummingbird feeder accessories we have selected below can also help to support these ethereal creatures in winter. Just be sure to avoid these hummingbird feeder mistakes.

While you may think you can put your bird feeder away for winter, this time of year is actually when they're most vital. Take hummingbirds, for example. Many of them migrate south for the winter months, and on their journey, they will be eager to spot feeders for some nourishment, where other food sources are scarce.

However, this does mean it is not necessary to keep a hummingbird feeder out all winter in every state. 'Caring for hummingbirds in winter really depends on where you live, with consideration of the hummingbird migration,' says Maria Kincaid, an ornithologist from FeatherSnap.

In many parts of the U.S., hummingbirds migrate south for the winter, making it unnecessary to keep a feeder out. But for those lucky enough to have hummingbird visitors during the colder months, Maria stresses the importance of proper maintenance to protect both your feeder and the birds’ health. She shares expert tips on where to leave a feeder out through winter and how to keep it in top condition.

If you’re searching for a new one, I recommend this Glass Hummingbird Feeder from Wayfair – it’s highly rated and comes from a trusted brand. This Glass Hummingbird Feeder from Anthropologie is a fantastic option for the design-conscious among us.

Should I leave my hummingbird feeder out all winter?

Putting out a hummingbird feeder (like this red one from Amazon) is one of the best ways to attract hummingbirds. They're designed to provide nectar for hummingbird's unique diets, with feeding ports for their slender beaks.

But, whether you should keep your hummingbird out all winter really depends on your location.

'Most hummingbirds found in the US are migratory, and throughout much of the country are only present during the breeding season (spring and summer), though wintering ranges do seem to be expanding,' Maria explains.

Typically, hummingbirds overwinter in California, Texas, and Florida, and Louisiana. In these states it makes sense to keep your hummingbird feeder out and clean all winter. Increasingly, many species have also been seen overwintering in Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia.

As Maria notes, it changes each year depending on environmental factors.

One of the best ways to figure out if and when to take your hummingbird feeder down is just observing. If it's been a few weeks since you've seen a hummingbird in your yard, it likely means you don't need to leave your hummingbird feeder out all winter.

'You can also judge the timing of when to take down your feeders by looking at the amount of nectar being used,' Maria says.

Using a smart hummingbird feeder camera (like this from Amazon) can also help keep track of how many feathered visitors you're getting at this time of year.

'I always recommend leaving out your feeders for 2-4 weeks after you've seen the last of the breeding birds in order to make sure that there is a food source available for any birds migrating through. You should then put them back up in the spring, ready for another breeding season,' Maria advises.

How to maintain your hummingbird feeder in winter

Just like feeding other garden birds in winter, maintaining your hummingbird feeder is key to providing effective support.

'If you live in an area where there are overwintering hummingbirds, it's important to make sure you keep up on your feeder maintenance,' says Maria.

Most importantly, hummingbird nectar (like this from Amazon) needs to be fresh. It's essentially sugar water and can spoil quickly, so Maria urges to keep hummingbird feeders clean, otherwise harmful bacteria can be passed on to hummingbirds.

'Hummingbird feeders should be cleaned and refilled every 1-2 days when it's warm, and every 3-4 when it's cooler. You should also clean it if you start to see insects like ants or bees, or if the nectar becomes discolored in any way,' she advises.

You can clean your feeder ports with this hummingbird feeder cleaning brush from Amazon.

Something else to be aware of is frost:

'When temperatures are below freezing, you should either bring in your feeder, or consider a hummingbird feeder heater (from Amazon),' Maria says. This will protect your feeder from damage, like cracking, and stop nectar from freezing.

FAQs

Do other birds use hummingbird feeders in winter?

Yes, some birds will use a hummingbird feeder in winter. For example, woodpeckers, finches, and orioles may seek the nectar in a hummingbird feeder. However, these larger birds can be problematic for hummingbirds, dominating feeders and scaring them off. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to stop other birds from using a hummingbird feeder, including offering alternative food sources away from your hummingbird feeder.

If you're starting to suspect you have hummingbirds in your yard but aren't entirely sure, our guide to spot hummingbird nests may be useful.

Stocking up on the below hummingbird feeder accessories can also help you avoid hummingbird feeder mistakes, and they make for charming gifts this holiday season:

As the temperatures drop and fall settles in, the charming hummingbirds of the US start to head south. This migration is part of their overwintering process, heading to warmer climes for the frostier seasons. Those living in California, Texas, or Florida are likely to spot them during winter, as this is where hummingbirds overwinter.

If you're invested in the hummingbird migration and live in these states, there are lots of things you can do to attract hummingbirds to your yard and help them during fall and winter. Food, shelter, and peace are fundamental at this time of year for hummingbirds, which is why you should turn your attention to providing these elements for them.

Here, an ornithologist shares her insights into where hummingbirds overwinter and what specifically can be done in the yard if you live in a state where these birds swarm.

Where do hummingbirds overwinter?

Hummingbirds are found in larger populations in California, Texas, and Florida during winter. These US hardiness zones provide warmer temperatures for these birds to get through the coldest season.

'California boasts two year-round resident hummers: Anna's Hummingbird and a subspecies of Allen's Hummingbird,' says Mary Mack Gray, ornithologist at Birdbuddy.

'Allen's Hummingbird was delineated into two subspecies based on their migratory tendencies: Selasphorus sasin sasin migrates to central Mexico for the winter while Selasphorus sasin sedentarius remains in southern California year-round,' she explains.

Meanwhile, the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird can be found throughout eastern states. For overwintering, they head to Florida.

'While Ruby-Throats are primarily migratory, they are increasingly overwintering in Florida and southern Gulf Coast states due to climate change,' Mary explains.

'Current research indicates that the individuals that overwinter in the US are actually migrants from further north in their range (Canada) that choose to stop their southward migration before crossing the Gulf of Mexico.

'The Gulf of Mexico in particular is a hummingbird hotspot where hummers often gather before or after crossing the Gulf of Mexico, so Gulf Coast states (Florida, Louisiana, and Texas in particular) have a high probability of encountering hummingbirds as they migrate,' Mary adds.

During the fall and winter season, those living in these states are likely to spot hummingbird nests and have frequent visitors to hummingbird feeders (like this one from Amazon).

3 ways to help overwintering hummingbirds

If you have overwintering hummingbirds in your yard, you may not be used to spotting them throughout the other seasons and may be unfamiliar with the best ways to support them. To help you out, Mary shares her top three ways to help overwintering hummingbirds:

1. Grow native fall and winter plants

The best way to help hummingbirds is by incorporating native planting in your yard. This provides nectar-rich blooms for these feathered friends to feed from. However, by the time fall and winter roll around, this resource can be scarce.

'Maintaining native flowers year-round not only provides habitat, shelter, and nectar that hummingbirds depend on, but also encourages healthy communities of native insects that hummingbirds also prey upon,' Mary explains.

Winter native blooms include witch hazel (starter plants from Amazon), Texas betony (seeds from Amazon), and chaparral currant.

For an extra food source, you should also hang a hummingbird feeder (like this one from Amazon) and keep it topped up with hummingbird nectar feed (from Amazon).

'Maintaining trees that attract hummingbirds and shrubbery in which hummingbirds can shelter and feed can also provide a little additional warmth via microclimates created by plant respiration,' Mary adds.

2. Keep hummingbird feeders clean

Speaking of hummingbird feeders, these vital resources need to be kept clean during the fall and winter months. 'Neglected hummingbird feeders attract pests that can pose a health threat to hummingbirds,' Mary warns.

To clean hummingbird feeders, you can use a hummingbird feeder brush (from Amazon) to clean the separate feeding holes.

Failing to do so could lead to black mold on hummingbird feeders, which can make these birds ill. That's why you should take down your hummingbird feeder if you aren't able to keep on top of this maintenance, to create a safer environment for these birds in your yard.

You should also take care to stop your hummingbird feeder from freezing, which can be done by bringing it inside at night and hanging it up again early in the morning when the birds become active.

3. Watch out for curious pets

While overwintering, hummingbirds are looking for a quiet and peaceful spot to rest. Curious cats can become a nuisance for this reason, scaring them away and even causing injury if they get too close.

'It's best to keep cats indoors and supervise them in the yard when you have hummingbird visitors,' says Mary.

There are lots of other things you can also do to protect garden birds from cats, including putting a cat bell (from Amazon) on collars to warn hummingbirds and creating a 'catio' – a fenced off area of your garden for cats to use, away from your hummingbird nook.

FAQs

Do hummingbirds need nesting materials in winter?

'The breeding season for most North American hummingbird species runs from April-August (mostly May-July), so they aren't looking for nesting materials outside of that season,' says Mary Mack Gray, ornithologist and ecologist.

So, no, it isn't necessary to provide hummingbirds with nesting materials in winter, though this hummingbird nesting materials kit from Amazon is a valuable addition to your garden to support hummingbirds at other times in the year.

Another way to support hummingbirds as we transition out of summer is not deadheading perennials for hummingbirds. These are late season and early fall blooms that are still providing plenty of nectar for these birds.

Hummingbirds are some of the most charming birds native to the US and you can attract them to your yard by making it a resourceful and peaceful space for them. Our latest obsession, a hummingbird nook, incorporates all of the elements these birds look for in a yard, providing a retreat for them to rest and rejuvenate in.

A hummingbird nook is a corner of your yard with all the essential resources these birds need: food, shelter, and nesting materials. To effectively attract hummingbirds to your yard, you also need to make careful choices around where to position your hummingbird nook, so there is limited disruption that could scare them away.

Fall is actually a great time to make a hummingbird nook, as the hummingbird migration begins. This is when hummingbirds head south, so it's a common time to spot these colorful winged creatures in your yard as they head on their journey. With a carefully curated hummingbird nook in your garden, they might just make a pitstop – here are five key elements to include.

5 steps to make a hummingbird nook in your yard

By keeping your hummingbird nook fully stocked throughout the year, you might be lucky enough to spot a hummingbird nest during late spring and summer. In fall and winter, you can expect hummingbirds stopping by for nectar and using shelter for a rest stop.

Having said that, those living along the Pacific coast of the US may still see the species Anna's hummingbird, among others, which have adapted to stay further north during the colder months. The resources a hummingbird nook provide are especially important for them during this time.

1. Choose a quiet location

Before getting together the different elements of your hummingbird nook, you need to get the location right.

The right mix includes somewhere that gets sunlight for a few hours in the day but also offers some shade, somewhere protected from strong winds, and most importantly, somewhere quiet.

You're unlikely to get lots of hummingbird visitors if your hummingbird nook is in a busy spot of your yard where there's a lot of footfall and human activity.

The best trees for privacy can be a great foundation for your hummingbird nook for this reason. It can provide a natural windbreaker and some foliage for shade during the warmest days.

2. Add hummingbird perches

Hummingbirds often perch to rest and look out for potential predators. A hummingbird nook with plenty of resting points is therefore very attractive to them.

Planting trees that attract hummingbirds with thinner branches and stems for them to perch on is a good idea, for example a tulip tree (like this tulip tree from Nature Hills) has plenty of perching spots, as well as nectar-rich blooms they like to feed from in spring and summer.

You can also add purpose-built hummingbird perches, like these charming hummingbird perches from Amazon, which can be hung from tree branches in your hummingbird nook.

3. Plant plenty of hummingbird-friendly blooms

If you want to make a hummingbird nook that gets lots of visitors, there's one essential to include: plants for hummingbirds.

The best plants for hummingbirds are nectar-rich and trumpet shaped. Choose from the best climbers to attract hummingbirds, best perennials to attract hummingbirds, and the best shade plants to attract hummingbirds.

Top picks include coral honeysuckle (live plants from Amazon), hummingbird trumpets (live plants from Amazon), and mandevilla (live plants from Amazon).

Adding these plants to your hummingbird nook provides plenty of food sources for them. Just remember to make planting choices based on your US hardiness zone to ensure they grow well and provide a continuous resource to hummingbirds in your yard.

4. Hang a hummingbird feeder

As well as planting hummingbird-friendly plants, you can provide extra food sources by hanging a hummingbird feeder in your nook.

These are specially designed bird feeders that dispense nectar for hummingbirds, with narrow holes for them to feed through.

Hummingbird feeders are widely available on Amazon, but there are a few things to be aware of to ensure you don't make common hummingbird feeder mistakes.

This includes using the wrong type of sugar in your feeder. Stick to commercially available hummingbird nectar products (like this one from Amazon) as a safe choice.

You can also stop other birds from using a hummingbird feeder (which may scare away hummingbirds) by providing alternative bird food in a spot far from your hummingbird nook.

5. Provide nesting materials

The final element to your hummingbird nook is nesting materials. Hummingbirds will typically nest through spring and summer, but it does vary depending on species and location.

When they build their nests, they make it from plant fibers, moss, lichen, and spider silk. Having these materials readily available in a hummingbird nook will make it a more appealing place for them.

Place undyed cotton, wool, and pet hair in a suet cage (from Amazon) or mesh vegetable bags (like these from Walmart) and hang them in the trees in your hummingbird nook for the birds to retrieve from.

You can also purchase ready-made nesting material cages (like this from Amazon) to hang up and refill as needed.

Allowing fluffy seeds to develop, such as on dandelions and thistles, can also provide a valuable nesting material for hummingbirds.

FAQs

Are hummingbirds attracted to red?

Hummingbirds are attracted to the color red, which is why hummingbird feeders are often red. If you have created a hummingbird nook in your yard, it can be a nice addition to add red accents, such as ribbon tied on tree branches, to enhance attraction.

Of course, there are lots of other elements you could add to a hummingbird nook. For example, hummingbirds prefer moving water and mist over deep bird baths. A bird bath fountain pump (like this one from Amazon) offers a spray for them to fly through.

Something to avoid is hummingbird houses, which are commercially available bird houses for hummingbirds. These are not suitable for the type of nest hummingbirds create, which typically sits on a tree branch rather than in a cavity. Having one in your hummingbird nook will likely attract cavity nesting birds, potentially scaring away hummingbirds.

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As the days get shorter and the weather cools, many bird lovers wonder when to take down their hummingbird feeders. The answer is simple: leave it up for as long as possible. Hummingbirds rely on feeders to build vital fat reserves for their long journey south, and a full feeder can be a lifeline for late-migrating stragglers.

Remember, knowing when to put out a hummingbird feeder in the spring or maintain it in the fall is important, but leaving it up late in the season won’t stop migration. Their journey is guided by natural instinct, daylight, and climate – not by whether food is available. Removing it too early can leave hungry birds without the energy they need for their journey.

Key signs it's time to take down your hummingbird feeder

Here's how to know you've supported your local hummingbirds through their migration, and it's time to put your feeder away for the season.

1. You haven't seen a hummingbird in weeks

Taking down a hummingbird feeder too early is a common hummingbird feeder mistake. The most reliable sign that it’s time to take down your feeder is a quiet feeder. In northern regions, like Canada and the northern U.S., most hummingbirds begin migrating by early September, and it’s generally safe to remove feeders by mid-October.

In the southern U.S. or along the Gulf Coast, you may still see hummingbirds visiting feeders in November or even December, as some stay longer during their migration. In milder southern climates, a few hummingbirds may even overwinter, so there’s little reason to rush the takedown.

Tom Monson, owner of Monson Lawn and Landscaping, explains, ‘If you live in northern locations, most hummingbirds start migrating by early September. In southern areas, birds may linger longer as they head south. Waiting ensures they have the food they need.’

To be safe, wait at least two weeks after you see the last hummingbird before removing your feeder. This gives late travelers enough time to access food before leaving the area.

2. Temperatures drop consistently below freezing

Freezing temperatures can damage your feeder and make nectar inaccessible to hummingbirds. If your area experiences a cold snap or a prolonged freeze, it’s a good idea to bring the feeder inside. To continue providing food for late visitors, you can prevent the nectar from freezing by using a feeder heater or by bringing the feeder indoors at night and returning it in the morning.

We recommend this Heated Hummingbird Feeder from Amazon.

3. Feeder maintenance becomes a challenge

It’s vital to keep up with cleaning hummingbird feeders regularly. A dirty feeder can be dangerous for hummingbirds. If you can’t maintain regular cleanings and the feeder becomes moldy or infested with pests like ants, it’s best to take it down. A clean feeder is essential for the birds’ health – an unkempt one can do more harm than good. You can always clean it and put it back out once you’re able to maintain it properly.

An unclean feeder is more than just unappealing and can lead to ants in hummingbird feeders becoming a nuisance. Sugar water can also quickly harbor mold and bacteria, especially in warm weather. If ingested, these pathogens can cause a fungal infection called candidiasis, which swells a hummingbird’s tongue and prevents it from feeding – often leading to a slow, tragic death from starvation. If you can’t commit to cleaning a hummingbird feeder every 2–3 days during warm months, it’s safer to take it down until you can maintain it properly.

By paying attention to these three signs, you can ensure that you've given the hummingbirds in your area the best possible support for their epic journey. Looking for other ways to help? Consider planting native flowers that hummingbirds love to create a natural, long-term food source in your yard.

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In September, many gardeners start eyeing spent stems and brown petals with a bit of unease. Naturally, you might be tempted to reach for the snips and give your borders and pots a tidy. But, for some species, it is not a good idea to trim, especially not when it comes to tubular flowers that are popular with hungry hummingbirds still passing through.

Some flowers – salvias, agastaches, penstemons – don’t tend to send out more blooms this late in the year. Once they’re cut, that’s it. You’re trimming away nectar that birds might have needed on a final stop. So, while some blooms might look a little brown, there is still sweetness in these stems that migrating birds will be grateful for.

So, this year, why not leave these seven plants well alone and support hummingbirds as they make their long, epic journey south? Here are seven annuals and perennials to never deadhead for hummingbirds.

7 tubular flowers to never deadhead in September

During the hummingbird migration in September, certain nectar-rich flowers can still serve a vital role – even when faded. So, even if your blooms look a little brown or past their best, avoid deadheading them and just let nature run its course.

Here are seven plants you should not deadhead this month.

1. Hummingbird mint

You might be tempted to trim your hummingbird mint, or Agastache spp., especially if the purple flowers have turned brown, but I would recommend leaving stalks in place from September onwards.

These spires are full of tiny trumpet-like blooms, which are nectar reserves, or, best thought of as late-season pit stops for hummingbirds and other pollinators.

So, don’t deadhead this perennial, as no new stalks will come this late in the season. Let the golden and bronze hues go on for a few weeks more.

If you want to add a new variety to plant in the fall, try Agastache 'Royal Raspberry', with live plants available from Burpee.

2. Penstemon

I’ve grown penstemons in many different gardens, from sun-baked terraces in Tuscany to wind-swept rural plots in Wales. They are remarkably hardy and keep the floral show going late into the growing season.

As you might know, penstemons are some of the best perennials to attract hummingbirds, popular for their nectar-rich blooms.

But, in terms of how to deadhead penstemon, I would suggest stopping now. Chances are, you won't get any more shoots. So, enjoy what you have, in all its fading glory, and let migrating birds feast on the last blooms.

Fancy a new penstemon this coming year? Try growing the blue-flowering Rocky Mountain Penstemon, with seeds available now via Amazon.

3. Cigar flower

The unusual cigar plant, or Cuphea ignea, has brilliant, tiny flowers that open in shades of orange.

In pots and beds, these are unbeatable flowers to attract hummingbirds, and can often go on blooming through until October in sunny, sheltered yards.

Regardless of where you grow this annual, in September, don’t touch it. The flowers might be fading, yes, but it won't rebloom this late in the year. Those browning petals can still offer sustenance to migrating hummingbirds, so hold off pruning for a little while yet.

Want to watch hummingbirds up close in your yard? Try these Occer wildlife binoculars, available now via Amazon.

4. Bee balm

Deadheading bee balm, or Monarda spp., is a good idea earlier in the growing season, but by September, it is best to put the pruners away and leave your perennial to do its thing.

Even when the flowers have browned, you'll see hummingbirds hover and sip at bee balm blooms, clearly still valuable even past their prime.

If you fancy adding a new Monarda variety to your yard, try this 'Balmy Rose' bee balm plant from Amazon.

5. Salvia

If you grow salvia in pots or borders, you'll know that these perennials can go on flowering for many months of the year, typically producing many thousands of tiny tubular, nectar-rich flowers that will attract pollinators.

While deadheading salvias is a good idea earlier in the season, from September, it is not worth the effort, as no new flower stems will emerge. Plus, hummingbirds adore even the faded stems.

If you want to add another variety to your yard, try Salvia nemorosa 'May Night', with live plants available at Amazon.

6. Cardinal flower

Cardinal flowers, or Lobelia cardinalis, are perhaps the ultimate plant to attract hummingbirds. But, come September, leave any remaining flower stems in place, even if they are more brown than scarlet.

While you might think deadheading is a good idea earlier in the summer, at this stage, it is not worth it.

If you want to add a few more clumps to your borders, September is a good time to plant. Try these live cardinal flower plants from Amazon.

7. Cardinal creeper

The cardinal creeper, or Ipomoea quamoclit, is one of the best climbers to attract hummingbirds, producing masses of red blooms throughout the growing season.

However, by September, I suggest leaving this annual vine in place. Forget deadheading, pruning or tidying up. Just leave it alone for a few more weeks, and insects and birds will be able to feed on any remaining nectar as the weather drops and fewer flowers can be found.

You can then cut back and compost the plant in the winter months, when hummingbirds have safely made their way south.

One final bit of advice – if you have lots of hummingbird feeders in your yard, be sure to keep them clean even in September to avoid any diseases or infections spreading.

And, remember to keep them topped up with nectar solution to fuel any hummingbirds passing by.

For more information, see our guide on how to remove black mold on hummingbird feeders.

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I have grown hummingbird mint, or Agastache spp., in many gardens where I have worked. In Tuscany, we grew these perennials in a scattering of large terracotta pots alongside other fragrant herbs. The smell, I recall, was quite something.

While it is a plant that prefers to be grown in borders where its roots can spread and roam, I have seen it grow just fine in pots, throwing up spires of colorful blooms and releasing that unusual, almost aniseed scent whenever brushed.

So, if you want to grow some colorful flowers that will prove irresistible to hummingbirds, bees and butterflies, learning how to grow hummingbird mint in pots is time well spent. Here’s everything I know after years of growing it.

How to grow hummingbird mint in pots

Learning how to grow hummingbird mint in pots is pretty straightforward, and so long as they enjoy plenty of sunshine and have a drink of water every few days, these perennials should do just fine with relatively little effort.

Here are my tips to guarantee long-lasting blooms that return year after year.

Growing hummingbird mint in pots

When learning how to grow hummingbird mint in pots, the key is simple: drainage. Agastache spp. loathe soggy roots.

It is good to remember that these plants are drought-tolerant flowering perennials, and in their native environments, can grow in rocky or free-draining soil, so you want to avoid waterlogged pots at all costs. To note, this does not mean that you do not have to water, but that the water should be free to drain away, and not sit.

So, be sure to fill a medium to large terracotta pot (12 to 16 inches across) with a gritty soil mix, combining a couple of handfuls of sand or grit to improve drainage.

Try these rustic pots, available from Amazon, which would work well when planted with hummingbird mint.

In terms of placement, remember that these are sunseeking plants. Most species are hardy down to zone 4, but will be all the happier if they are placed in a sunny spot.

This is non-negotiable if you are in a northern region (like zone 5), but in warmer areas, you can get away with some shade, too. However, in darker corner, flower numbers might be reduced.

Live 'Blue Fortune' hummingbird mint plants can be ordered from Greenwood Nurseries via Amazon.

Caring for hummingbird mint in pots

In pots, hummingbird mint needs regular deep watering. As mentioned above, these are drought-tolerant plants, but a good soaking every other day during summer will help them to thrive.

You want to stick to a regular schedule to avoid pots drying out, which can stress your plants, but touching the soil and feeling down to one or two inches will indicate how damp or dry the pot is.

In addition, feeding isn’t really necessary, especially if the container potting mix is fresh, but a fortnightly tomato feed (try this organic tomato feed by Espoma, available at Walmart) will keep container plants in fine flowering form.

Finally, don’t forget about deadheading during summer. Always use clean and sharp pruners, like these Felco F2 pruners from Amazon, to cut away spent blooms, although you can stop doing this from September. At this stage in the growing season, I would leave faded flowers in place for the fall months.

FAQs

How often should I repot hummingbird mint?

I would suggest repotting this perennial every two years or so. Using a spade or Hori Hori knife, gently work around the edge of the pot to loosen your plant. Then, lift the plant, shake off tired soil, and refresh the pot with fresh compost and grit. If the plant looks congested, you can learn how to divide hummingbird mint, reducing the size of your clump.

While you shouldn't need to winterize your pot, you can group containers together near the house for the darker and colder months of the year. This will create a mini-microclimate, and pots will benefit from the heat loss from homes.

For more information, see our guide on how to grow hummingbird mint from seed, and discover how to propagate more perennials for a fraction of the cost of a live plant.

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Yellow flowers are often treated a little unfairly in the garden. Just look at a stand of golden dahlias catching the evening sun, or a drift of lemon cosmos buzzing with pollinators, and I think anyone would be hard-pressed to dislike the color. Over the years, I’ve changed my mind on yellow, and these days I find myself reaching for it more and more.

The canary creeper, or Tropaeolum peregrinum, is the ultimate example of this. With flamboyant and frilly blooms, I know that this vibrant vine will inject joy wherever it is planted. Even the most staunch anti-yellow gardener would have to admit, this climber is impressive.

Not only does it look good, but small but mighty bees, butterflies and hummingbirds can’t seem to resist the sweet nectar, too. So, if you are looking for fast-growing climbing plants to add to your plot this year, learning how to grow the Canary creeper is a good idea.

How to grow the Canary creeper

Not only does Tropaeolum peregrinum have yellow flowers the same shade as a canary’s feathers, but the blooms themselves have a frilled, wing-like quality. It’s a fast-growing flowering annual that looks part bird, part bloom – what more could you ask for?

Growing habits of the Canary creeper

'One of the best climbers to grow in pots, this fast-growing, vining annual is perfect for patios and container displays,' says Reese Robbins, garden expert and creator of Just Pure Gardening.

'The Canary creeper loves full sun,' Reese adds, 'thriving in rich, well-draining soil and appreciates consistent moisture, but not soggy conditions.

'Here in the US, this underrated climber is best grown as an annual in zones 9 and below, as it's not frost-hardy, but can be treated as a perennial in zones 10 plus.

'I would recommend starting your seeds indoors four to six weeks before your last frost date or direct sow once the soil warms.

'One trick to improve germination is to soak seeds overnight in some lukewarm water,' Reese adds. 'Then, all you need to do is watch it grow – although a trellis will help to direct the vines and blooms.'

Canary creeper seeds are available now via Amazon.

Care guide for the Canary creeper

Soil: Canary creepers can grow in most soils, just make sure that the ground is well-draining and not waterlogged. So long as the drainage is adequate, they can even be grown in poor soils. In pots, use a good quality, fresh compost, combined with a little mulch for the best results. Try something this organic mulch from Back to the Roots, available now via Walmart.

Light: When you plant your Canary creeper outside, it is best to choose a spot with full to partial sun. However, in warmer, sheltered sites, a position with morning sun and afternoon shade will do just fine. Remember that planting in too dark a location can limit growth and inhibit flower production.

Watering: 'As native plants to Peru and Ecuador, these vines can tolerate heat just fine, but for the best results, you want to water these flowering climbers when the top inch of soil is dry, keeping them consistently moist but never waterlogged.'

Fertilizing: 'To maximize blooms, avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers,' Reese says. 'Use a balanced organic feed monthly or a fertilizer high in potash to encourage flower production.' Try something like this bloom booster fertilizer by Dr. Earth, available via Walmart.

Pruning: 'Deadheading isn't really necessary,' Reese adds, 'but it can help to tidy the appearance of your plant. The occasional trim can also help to control size and shape. At the end of the season, you can cut down to the base and lift the roots, adding the green waste to your compost heap.'

Toxicity: It is not considered toxic but may irritate the skin when pruning and handling, so wearing gloves is always recommended.

FAQs

Can I grow the Canary creeper in a hanging basket?

Yes, you can. Canary creepers have a lovely trailing and cascading habit, making them perfect plants for hanging baskets. Just be sure to keep your containers well-watered and fed through the summer months, as they can dry out very quickly.

During the growing season, the Canary creeper will prove popular with native birds, too, so be sure to keep an eye on your vine, especially during the hummingbird migration.

For more plant inspiration, see our guide to some of the easiest climbers to grow in your yard, and fill vertical surfaces with greenery and blooms this year.

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Even the smallest border can make a big difference when it comes to wildlife. I’ve seen it happen in city gardens where a strip of planting, no more than a few feet wide, becomes a hub for hungry bees, butterflies and, yes, hummingbirds too.

These little patches may look modest to us, but to wildlife, they’re an entire world of nectar, shelter and food. Garden borders, I think, should be seen as collaborative spaces that are not just decorative, but can also become wildlife sanctuaries.

So, if you fancy learning how to attract hummingbirds to your plot this year, then you have come to the right place. Not only is learning how to create a hummingbird border a no-brainer if you want to welcome wildlife into your yard, but it can also look spectacular, too.

How to create a hummingbird border

Hummingbird borders will always do best in a sunny spot, where nectar-rich tubular flowers can soak up many hours of bright sunshine. But don’t fret if your plot is a little darker than you’d like – nectar-rich flowers can be grown even in full shade.

The trick is to choose species that suit the conditions in your yard, leaning on planting and wildlife garden ideas that are right for your local climate and your US hardiness zone.

1. Layering plants for a hummingbird border

To successfully create a hummingbird border, it is best to think in layers. That is, you want ground cover plants low down, some of the best perennials and shrubs in a mid-layer, and trees to add height and structure, too.

This way, you are making the most of your space. Growing in layers is also far more pleasing to the eye, as well as to a range of different pollinators and birds.

So, you want to use low growers at the front, including ground cover plants to attract hummingbirds like ajuga and thyme. Creeping phlox is a good native plant option, too, which is ideal for covering the front of the border.

Live creeping phlox plants are available to order from Amazon.

Behind these, midsize perennials like this electric pink bee balm, with live plants available from Amazon, as well as black-eyed Susans, to add bulk and nectar. Plant in drifts, so it feels natural and doesn't feel like a height-ordered border.

Throughout the border, you want to dot taller species, things like hollyhocks, sunflowers or even ornamental grasses, which will add height and movement.

This tiering doesn’t just look good; it gives hummingbirds natural flight paths in and out of the border, as well as providing cover and protection.

Adding one or two trees that attract hummingbirds is also a good idea, not only for sustenance, but as a place for them to perch and nest.

Try this live tulip tree sapling, available from Amazon, which will prove irresistible to hungry birds.

2. Use nectar-rich tubular flowers in a hummingbird border

Hummingbirds are specialists when it comes to blooms. And, with such long bills and tongues, you might have guessed that they are adapted to feast on the nectar found within tubular flowers.

So, adding plenty of trumpet-like, longer blossoms is a good idea. Think salvias, trumpet vine and coral honeysuckle.

Live coral honeysuckle plants are available to order from Amazon.

The trick is in the timing of your flowers, however. You want a mixture of tubular flowers throughout the growing season.

So, you want to ensure that you grow flowers that attract hummingbirds that bloom in early spring, when the hummingbird migration sees many species return to North America from the south. Early flowering tubular blooms include things like weigela.

Then, later in summer, you have honeysuckles and bee balm, and then, at the end of the growing season, things like penstemon will keep the show going until the first frost.

Try this lilac-flowering 'Prairie Dusk' penstemon, available now via Amazon.

Planting a range of tubular flowers that open at different times will keep visiting hummingbirds happy (and well fed) from April through October.

Variety in your hummingbird border means there’s always fuel available, so you’re less likely to see birds bickering over a single nectar source. A succession of blooms, then, is the secret to success.

3. Adding water to a hummingbird border

Nectar alone, however, won't cut it. Hummingbirds also need water, not just for drinking, but for bathing.

Keep things shallow. Opt for a bird bath or butterfly puddler that is both wide and shallow, like this vintage-looking iron pedestal bird bath available from Wayfair.

Position bird baths in the border, covering the base or the pedestal with lush foliage and flowers.

And, if you want to go one step further, add a solar-powered bird bath fountain, available now via Amazon, which will lure in darting hummingbirds as they feast.

If you can, position your hummingbird border close to a patio or dining area, so that you can watch hungry birds darting in and out, from shrub to plant and back again.

And, if you are keen to invest in some wildlife gadgets this year, why not try a hummingbird feeder camera, which can take high-quality images of visiting and migrating birds passing through your yard?

This highly rated hummingbird feeder camera by Birdfy, available now via Amazon, will allow you to enjoy plenty of impressive shots.

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A summary of this article: Hummingbirds are very territorial, often fighting to guard vital food sources, and during the breeding season. To keep the peace in your yard, spread out multiple feeders so they are out of sight from one another. Planting various nectar-rich flowers across different areas also helps reduce conflict by providing more options. Keep feeders clean and full to lower competition. While some bickering is natural, these steps ensure more birds can feed safely without constant disputes.

There are more than 300 species of hummingbirds across the Americas, though most are found in balmy regions of Central and South America. In North America, two of the most familiar are Anna’s hummingbird and the ruby-throated hummingbird. And, during the growing season, both of these are backyard regulars, darting about, flittering from perch to flower and back again during long summer days.

And, while these two species – or whatever species you have in your region – are an impressive sight, you might have noticed they don’t always play nicely. Hummingbirds can be surprisingly combative when it comes to territory. To us gardeners, it can look like petty squabbling, but in truth, it’s a matter of survival.

So, if you already know how to attract hummingbirds to your plot, but now you are wondering: why do hummingbirds fight, you have come to the right place. Here, one garden expert reveals a few simple ways to make your garden as combat-free as possible.

Why do hummingbirds fight?

Wherever you live and whatever your US hardiness zone, chances are, you will enjoy spotting hummingbirds in your yard in spring and summer, and during the hummingbird migration.

Their range is undeniably impressive, from the southern tip of South America all the way up to Alaska. While they are joy to spot, they can, like humans, bicker and fight over food and territory.

If your yard supports wildlife garden ideas, then you will most likely have plenty of non-native and native plants, and borders full of nectar-rich flowers. Or, alternatively, you might have one or two hummingbird feeders.

'Feeders and flower patches can quickly become a battleground,' says Reese Robbins, garden expert and creator of Just Pure Gardening.

'Do not panic if this is the case,' Reese says. 'Honestly, it is very normal behavior to spot wildlife scrapping in the yard. Why, you might ask? Because they’re fiercely territorial,

'I am constantly observing these miniature marvels in my yard during summer, always grabbing a pair of binoculars to watch them up close.

'I find the males (no surprise there) are particularly aggressive during the breeding season, which tends to fall in May or June,' Reese continues.

'This is because they want to attract females, and also because they want to sure up as many energy sources as possible.

'If you spot dive-bombing hummers or hear loud chirps, these are also signs that these little birds are not happy.

'It might be that an unassuming newcomer has just wandered into a fiercely guarded patch, or perhaps two neighbors are picking up an old territorial dispute.'

If you want to watch hummers up close this summer, try these highly-rated Occer 12x25 wildlife binoculars, available now via Amazon.

How to keep the peace

While you can’t stop hummingbirds from being territorial, you can make your yard a little less of a battleground. The trick is to give them more food options, spread out across the space.

'Consider placing multiple feeders out of sight of each other,' Reese says. 'This gives more hummingbirds access to food without direct confrontation. In practice, four small feeders spaced apart work better than one.

'I also think that plants are another big part of the solution. Pick nectar-rich climbers and perennials to attract hummingbirds,' Reese adds. 'Grow as much as possible in every corner of your plot.'

For example, this coral honeysuckle climber, with live starter plants available from Amazon, is known to be a hit with hummingbirds. Why not grow two of these attractive vines in different corners of your plot?

'You also want to keep feeders clean and topped up, as a half-empty or dirty feeder will only fuel competition.'

Of course, this isn't a guaranteed solution to a calm, passive yard. A little fighting and bickering in the natural world is to be expected. Even with dozens of feeders, a particularly territorial hummingbird is never going to welcome visitors.

So, accept that fights will happen, and do what you can to offer as much food for as many birds as possible.

If you spot an injured hummingbird in your yard, do not be tempted to move it. First, observe it from a distance.

Handling hummingbirds can cause unnecessary stress and should only be a last resort. For more advice, Animal Help Now can provide useful contacts in your area.

For more planting inspiration, see our guide to ground covers to attract hummingbirds, and fill your yard with nectar-rich offerings this year.

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If you’ve noticed a neighbor wrapping their hummingbird feeder in aluminum foil, they’re likely trying to keep the nectar fresh for longer during the hot summer months when you would usually be feeding birds.

As temperatures rise, especially above 90°F, sugary nectar can quickly spoil – fermenting or growing harmful bacteria and mold that can be dangerous to hummingbirds. Wrapping the feeder in aluminum foil helps reflect heat and sunlight away, potentially keeping the nectar cooler and safer for these delicate birds.

Aluminum foil’s shiny surface reflects both heat and light, which is why it’s used in insulation and why it can be effective for protecting feeders from the harsh sun. Beyond temperature control, the foil’s reflective quality may also help deter bees and squirrels, as the glare can confuse or discourage these persistent visitors.

For those hoping to attract hummingbirds, especially during peak hummingbird migration seasons, keeping nectar fresh and safe is essential. Spoiled nectar not only deters these tiny visitors but can also pose serious health risks.

However, while aluminum foil helps regulate temperature, it’s not a cure-all. Nectar can spoil quickly in extreme heat, and contaminated sugar water can lead to fungal infections that affect hummingbirds’ ability to feed.

Regularly changing the nectar, cleaning feeders thoroughly, and monitoring for cloudiness are essential steps to keep your feathered friends safe. Cloudy nectar is a clear sign of mold or bacterial growth and should be discarded immediately.

To use this simple hack, wrap a piece of foil around the nectar reservoir of your feeder, and consider crumpling the foil slightly to create a layer of air for added insulation. Placing your feeder in a shady spot or switching to a glass feeder instead of plastic can further help regulate nectar temperature. Adding ice to the nectar or offering smaller amounts more frequently are additional ways to prevent spoilage.

By combining these simple steps with the aluminum foil wrap, you can keep your hummingbird feeder fresh, inviting, and safe – ensuring you enjoy the vibrant presence of hummingbirds throughout the summer season.

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By August, some plants begin to look a little sad or past their best. But, fortunately, there are many late-season bloomers that keep the summer show going. Not only are these plants colorful and impactful, but they are also vital for wildlife, not least for migrating hummingbirds travelling thousands of miles south as the growing season winds down.

Late-summer wildflowers and prairie stalwarts are some of my favorites. They’re the kinds of plants you see thriving in the least likely places, along roadsides, in the middle of traffic roundabouts, or sprinkled through sun-baked verges. Still blooming, still buzzing with life and requiring almost no fuss from us.

Goldenrod is one of my August favourites, lighting up with shafts of deep yellow that catch the low, late-summer sun. The same goes for tall purple asters that bloom across August and September, irresistible to hungry wildlife. So, if you want to support the hummingbird migration this summer, these seven flowers are a must. And, the good news? It’s not too late to plant them now.

7 flowers to plant in August for hummingbirds

Many hummingbird species (that overwinter in warmer US hardiness zones) begin their migration south during August. And, for this reason, adding one, two or several late-blooming flowers to attract hummingbirds is a good idea.

Here are seven flowers to plant in August for hummingbirds that will be sure to provide a nectar-rich energy boost for travelling wildlife.

1. Coral honeysuckle

Few flowers are as perfectly shaped for a hummingbird’s beak as coral honeysuckle.

Native to much of the US, its slender, trumpet-like blooms are an open invitation to nectar-seeking birds.

'Coral honeysuckle, or Lonicera sempervirens, is a tough flowering climber that can grow in almost any plot from zone 4 plus,' says Reese Robbins, garden expert and creator of Just Pure Gardening.

'They thrive in pots and borders, with a preference for full sun or part shade, and can flower from spring right through to fall in ideal conditions.'

Live coral honeysuckle starter plants are available from Amazon.

2. Valerian

One of the best drought-tolerant flowering perennials, valerian is another ideal summer bloomer for pollinators, including migrating hummingbirds.

Hardy down to zone 5, valerian can grow almost anywhere. When I worked as a gardener in Italy, for example, it grew in cracks and crevice gardens, filling walls and rockeries with long-lasting color.

With regular deadheading, clumps of valerian will go on blooming late into fall.

Red valerian seeds can be ordered from Amazon, and can be sown at any time through the spring and summer months.

3. Ironweed

Ironweed, or Vernonia noveboracensis, is loved by pollinators (hummingbirds included), highly prized for its nectar-rich purple flowers.

Hardy down to zone 4, ironweed is native to the Midwest and several southern states, and will thrive in most yards, so long as it enjoys plenty of sunshine and moist but well-draining soil.

In August, ironweed is a magnet for hungry hummingbirds and native bees alike.

For the best (and most enjoyable) results, I would recommend planting it where you can easily watch hummingbirds darting in and out of the dense purple blooms.

Ironweed live plants are available from Amazon.

4. Goldenrod

In the right spot, goldenrod, also known as Solidago, can look pretty spectacular, with tall stems of gold that blaze in the August sunshine.

Goldenrod is a native North American perennial and is fully hardy down to zone 3. In meadows and wild borders, it can easily reach up to six feet tall, providing good interest at the back of garden borders.

And, the best part? Hummingbirds are known to enjoy goldenrod nectar on offer, which can last long into fall.

Live goldenrod plants can be ordered via Walmart.

5. Aster

Many different aster varieties are perfect for adding late-summer color and nectar to backyard borders.

I have grown asters in several gardens, and in mild years, I have known them to go on flowering until December.

Although, a word of advice, it is usually a good idea to stake them, as many species are a little top-heavy and can flop over in the rain.

For a native variety, try these New England asters; live plants can be ordered via Walmart.

Hardy down to zone 4, New England asters, or Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, will grow happily in sunny spots with little care needed, and migrating hummingbirds will be grateful for a spot of nectar, too.

6. Pineapple sage

I’ve grown many different types of salvias over the years, but pineapple sage is in a league of its own. It is a late-season beacon for hummingbirds and a bit of a show-off in the garden.

Hardy only to around zone 8, it’s best in milder spots or grown in big pots on the patio.

I would recommend positioning them somewhere with at least six hours of direct light if possible, in soil that drains freely.

For planting inspiration, opt for bold, maximalist displays, perhaps with orange zinnias or yellow cosmos, alongside textural ornamental grasses.

Live pineapple sage plants can be ordered now via Amazon.

7. Milkweed

Milkweed, or Asclepias spp., is an impressive plant when it comes to wildlife. Ask any gardener, and they will tell you the same: milkweed more than earns its spot when it comes to pollinators.

However, beyond growing milkweed for monarch butterflies, the nectar-rich blooms are also ideal for hungry hummingbirds as they are on the move during August.

You can grow milkweed in borders or pots, but I would suggest providing plenty of sunshine to enjoy the most blooms.

If you are keen on injecting some zingy color into your yard, try the classic butterfly weed, or Asclepias tuberosa, which can also be grown down to zone 3. I love the orange flowers, and this variety should last until October.

Live milkweed plants can be ordered now via Amazon.

Once the weather starts to dip, towards the end of August, be cautious of cutting all of your flower stems. I would recommend leaving some to stand, even if they go brown.

There will still be nectar inside brown blooms, and many plants won't produce any new stems at this stage of the growing season. And, brown flower stems are better than no flower stems for hungry migrating hummingbirds.

Our guide on the perennials to never deadhead for hummingbirds has more information.

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Petunias have long been a favorite in flowerbeds, window boxes, and hanging baskets thanks to their rich color, generous blooms, and easygoing nature. But beyond their decorative appeal, many gardeners grow petunias in pots in the hopes of drawing in pollinators, especially the ever-charming hummingbird. So, do petunias attract hummingbirds to your yard? The short answer is yes – though the full story is a little more nuanced.

Hummingbirds are famously attracted to bright, tubular flowers rich in nectar. While petunias don’t produce as much nectar as some native wildflowers or specialty blooms, they still offer enough to pique the interest of these curious, fast-moving birds. The key lies in their shape and color. The trumpet-like form of many petunia varieties allows hummingbirds to feed with ease, while their bold shades – especially reds, pinks, purples, and fuchsias – catch the attention of birds in flight.

Some top choices include Wave Petunias, Tidal Wave Petunias, and Cascading Petunias, which bloom profusely and create an inviting environment for these little visitors.

Their long blooming season makes petunias one of the best plants for pollinators, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees throughout the year, including during the late summer hummingbird migration.

However, not all petunias are equally suited to the task. Simpler, single-flower varieties are better at attracting hummingbirds than those with heavy hybridization or ruffled, double blooms, which can make nectar harder to access.

Some of the more classic or spreading types, such as those used in hanging baskets or container gardens, are particularly good at bringing color and movement up to a hummingbird’s preferred feeding height.

'Petunias are a stunning summer bloom perfect for pots and hanging baskets, and in my experience, they rank among the best low-maintenance plants for container gardening,' agrees Thomas Rutter, resident garden expert at Homes & Gardens.

'With regular watering and consistent deadheading, they reward you with continuous vibrant flowers all season long. Their trumpet-shaped blooms are perfectly designed for hummingbirds’ long bills, with nectar nestled deep inside to lure these beautiful visitors to your garden. Hummingbirds dart in and out quickly, so stay alert to catch their brief but magical visits.'

To give petunias the best chance of attracting hummingbirds, they should be planted in full sun and kept blooming all season through regular watering and deadheading. Gardeners often have the most success when they group petunias with other nectar-rich plants that offer variety and abundance – hummingbirds are always in search of high-energy food sources, so diversity in the garden is a plus.

While petunias might not be the number one choice for hummingbirds compared to native flowering plants, they do play a meaningful role in creating a pollinator-friendly space. And when placed thoughtfully – in sunny spots, in containers, or cascading from baskets – they can offer a long-lasting, colorful buffet that hummingbirds will gladly return to.

So, if you're looking to bring a bit more life, color, and movement into your garden this season, petunias are a beautiful and surprisingly effective way to do just that. With the right conditions, they’ll not only brighten up your borders – they might just bring a hummingbird or two along with them.

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To attract hummingbirds using petunias and to help them thrive in your garden, here are some helpful product suggestions:

Hummingbirds are a welcome sight in any garden. These glorious creatures are not only beautiful, but they are prolific pollinators, visiting huge numbers of flowers each day in search of nectar.

Many climbers attract hummingbirds, though arguably none do it better than mandevilla. The tropical, showy climbers have the perfect flowers for hummingbirds, which adore the color and shape of the mandevilla blooms.

If you want a low-maintenance, high-impact climber that will attract lots of hummingbirds throughout the season, you should look no further than growing mandevilla. We take a close look at exactly why hummingbirds like mandevilla so much, and how you can care for the plant to get the most out of those attractive blooms.

Are hummingbirds attracted to mandevilla?

Mandevilla is a very popular flowering climber used in many people’s backyard ideas. Hailing from Central and South America, these tropical stunners are fast-growing climbing plants that can quickly cover a fence, arch, pergola, or wall for a show of bright, long-lasting flowers.

‘Mandevilla is a tropical vine grown for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom throughout the warm months,’ says Tatiana Anderson, tropical plant expert and co-founder of Top Tropicals. ‘This fast-growing climber thrives in warm climates and adds a stunning display of color to gardens and patios.’

It is those vivid blooms that make mandevilla hugely attractive to hummingbirds. And it is not only hummingbirds that like mandevilla, the flowers are also adored by butterflies and bees.

The mandevilla flowers are highly visible and nectar-rich, two key characteristics in making them incredibly attractive to hummingbirds. They come in bright colors, including red, orange, pink, yellow, and white. Red blooms, in particular, are always a beacon for hummingbirds, while they are also drawn to bright colors like pink and orange.

If you are looking for a variety to attract hummingbirds, the good news is that there are many red options available among the over 160 known species of mandevilla.

‘Mandevillas are a tropical delight for every garden or patio,’ says Gail Pabst from the National Garden Bureau. ‘There are many red-flowered varieties available, including the likes of Madinia Elegant Velvet Red or Sun Parasol Giant Crimson, which are some of my favorites.’

Another key reason why hummingbirds like mandevilla is that the blooms are trumpet-shaped; this is the perfect shape for hummingbirds.

They have long beaks and tongues that can easily access the nectar contained inside trumpet blooms. It means, as well as mandevilla, other flowers with a similar shape, like trumpet vines, are welcome additions for hummingbirds.

Gail Pabst describes mandevilla as ‘low-maintenance vines that bloom continuously until fall’.

That long-blooming season must make them one of the best plants for pollinators, as you can potentially see large numbers of hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees throughout the year, including during the annual hummingbird migration in late summer.

How you grow the hummingbird magnet will depend on your climate. Mandevilla is a tender plant that is only perennial in the warmer climates of US hardiness zones 9 and above, but there are other options available.

You can grow mandevilla in pots in cooler climates, where you overwinter plants indoors and bring them outside for the summer months. Mandevilla can also be grown as annuals thanks to their fast-growing nature.

For happy mandevilla plants that flower profusely, plant them in a sunny spot and rich, well-draining soil.

Keep the soil consistently moist and feed the plants with a water-soluble balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the blooming season to encourage a long season of blooms.

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Now you know why hummingbirds like mandevilla, you may feel inspired to do some planting that will attract more hummingbirds to your backyard. If so, we want to help.

These articles on the best perennials to attract hummingbirds and the best native spring flowers for hummingbirds reveal a selection of flowers to pick from. Adding these plants means color, texture, and fragrance, as well as bringing hummingbirds and other pollinators to your flower beds and borders.

There are few climbing plants that deliver as much joy as coral honeysuckle. Not only does this fragrant vine produce masses of colorful coral-red blooms, but it is also a hummingbird magnet during spring and summer, and who wouldn't want to observe these miniature migrants flitting from flower to flower in the backyard?

Coral honeysuckle, or Lonicera sempervirens, is native to North America, growing across Texas, Florida and northwards to New York. What makes it valuable as a backyard vine is both its tolerance for part-shade as well as its cold hardiness. It is not fussy; this tough climber just gets on with it.

So, if you have a fence or wall that would work well for one of the best honeysuckles, this guide has you covered. Here, one tropical plant expert from Florida reveals how to grow coral honeysuckle to enjoy vibrant, fragrant flowers this year.

How to grow coral honeysuckle

Coral honeysuckle is one of the easiest climbers to grow, typically blooming for many months over spring and summer.

This native plant will bring joy and color to your plot, and is far less aggressive when compared to Japanese honeysuckle, or Lonicera japonica, which is considered an invasive climber in several US states, including Florida, Wisconsin and Texas.

Growing habits for coral honeysuckle

In terms of how to grow coral honeysuckle, it can be planted from US hardiness zone 4 to zone 9, tolerating a wide range of conditions.

It does just fine in loamy, sandy and even clay soil, and can be planted in both full sun or part shade, requiring only a few hours of light each day to thrive.

Live coral honeysuckle starter plants are available to order from Amazon.

'If you are looking for one of the best flowering climbers, you won't find a better native option than coral honeysuckle,' says Tatiana Anderson, plant expert and co-founder of Top Tropicals, based in Florida.

'For the best results, plant it at the base of a trellis, fence or near an arbor,' Tatiana says.

'It is a quick-growing vine, and given time, can reach up to 20 feet in length, helping to add color to vertical surfaces in backyards.

'This cold-hardy native has red-orange tubular blooms from spring to fall and adds a bold tropical contrast to borders and pot displays. I can't recommend it enough!'

What's more, if you are seeking one of the best climbers to attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies, this is the plant for you.

Care guide for coral honeysuckle

Soil: In its native environment, coral honeysuckle can be found growing at the edges of woodlands across North America, with a preference for well-drained soil. While they grow best in moderately fertile ground, they will tolerate sandy, rocky or even poor soil conditions.

Light: For the best flowering show, position coral honeysuckles in pots or borders with six or more hours of sunshine. However, this adaptable native vine can also grow in darker corners where it only receives a few hours of sun each day. Remember that flowering will be reduced in shady spots.

Watering: Deep watering is recommended to help your coral honeysuckle settle during its first year. Once established, these climbers are remarkably drought-tolerant, although supplemental watering is needed for pot-grown specimens that can dry out very quickly during June and July.

Fertilizing: For pot-grown coral honeysuckles, feed once or twice in spring using something like this organic slow-release fertilizer from Burpee, available from Amazon. For established vines in the ground, I would not recommend feeding, as they can generally find what they need in the soil.

Pruning: To keep your honeysuckle vine more compact and encourage fresh growth, you can prune after the flowers fade in late summer or early fall.

Toxicity: This climber is not considered toxic to humans and pets.

Support: It is a good idea to support your vine as it grows across trellises, fences or walls. Try something like these reusable velcro plant ties, available from Amazon, to secure your honeysuckle as it grows.

FAQs

Can I grow coral honeysuckle in pots?

Yes, honeysuckles are some of the best climbers to grow in pots. In terms of how to grow honeysuckle in pots, be sure to use a large container, in the range of 10 to 16 inches is a good idea, which will provide plenty of room. Be sure to use a good quality potting mix with added drainage, and keep pots well watered during spring and summer.

Is coral honeysuckle evergreen?

This will depend on where you live. In cooler, northern regions, such as zone 5, you may find that coral honeysuckle vines lose their foliage in fall. However, in mild regions, such as zone 8, they tend to retain their leaves year-round.

There are many different varieties of coral honeysuckle that you can opt for, including 'Major Wheeler', which has crimson-red flowers, or 'John Clayton', which has pale lemon-yellow trumpet blooms.

For more tough climbing plants that thrive on neglect, see our guide on how to grow trumpet vine, for a vigorous plant that will prove a hit with pollinators and hummingbirds this summer.

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While April can remain cold in the evening in many areas, May typically signals the true arrival of spring, with longer days and warmer weather drawing hummingbirds northward. Typically seen flitting from flower to flower, returning hummingbirds will be a welcome sign for gardeners or birdwatchers this month.

Rufous hummingbirds that have spent the winter in Mexico, for example, are now arriving in California, Oregon and Washington, with some sightings even reported as far north as Alaska and British Columbia. Meanwhile, the easily recognizable ruby-throated hummingbirds will also now be arriving throughout the Midwest and Northeast, making their way back to their breeding grounds as the season advances.

So, as another leg of the hummingbird migration nears completion, we asked experts where and when to expect different species in the coming weeks. Here, we provide a current state of play for hummingbird migration in May, including what to watch out for in your region.

Hummingbird migration in May

This live map from Hummingbird Central is a great resource for birdwatchers and gardeners alike to keep a check on nearby sightings.

If you are anything like me and you want to stay up to date on hummingbird migration in May, this tool will be invaluable. Easy to use and up to date, I have used this map and the wisdom of wildlife experts to identify the movements of certain species this month, as detailed in the text below.

Of course, it will vary from region to region, determined by location, weather patterns and US hardiness zones, and particular species will follow age-old migratory patterns.

For example, the Allen's hummingbird will migrate north along the Pacific coast into California and Arizona, with the males sporting a brilliant reddish-orange throat. Allen's hummingbirds are not known to travel east of the Rocky Mountains, and their migration is linked to winter rains and the emergence of spring blooms on the West Coast.

Here's the species to look out for in your region during May.

Eastern and Central US

If you are wondering when do hummingbirds return from migration in the eastern and central states, then fear not, May is the month when the majority are either on the move or arriving at their breeding grounds.

'The peak spring migration period is from March to mid-May,' says wildlife expert, Patrick Kelleher.

'Ruby-throated hummingbirds, the most common species and the only prevalent species east of the Mississippi, return from early March in the southernmost states and advance north to the mid states by the beginning of April, finally reaching the northernmost states such as Minnesota, Michigan and Maine by mid-May.'

Even in city environments, including New York and Chicago, there are reports of hummingbirds from May. Keep an eye on native trees with spring blossoms, such as redbuds and honey locusts. While the latter is a plant with thorns and spines, the nectar-rich flowers are known to be a hit with pollinators, especially ruby-throated hummers.

Even if you feel far from nature when commuting into the metropolis, take a wander in your nearby park, such as the High Line, and see if you can spot any ruby-throated specimens this month.

Hummingbirds beat their wings at an almost impossible speed and quickly dash away if you approach. Get up close this spring by using something like these Hontry birdwatching binoculars, available to order via Amazon, which come highly rated and feature a 10x magnification.

Southern US

Already this May, there have been plenty of reports of black-chinned hummingbirds arriving across southern states, including Texas and Oklahoma.

In fact, the black-chinned hummingbird is perhaps the most abundant species in the Lone Star State, easily recognizable by its darker coloration around the neck, as seen in the image here.

So, if you are wondering when to put out hummingbird feeders, now is the time. Be sure to keep them clean and replenished, using something like this ready-to-use Electro Nectar from Kaytee, available to order from Amazon.

While they are far rarer than the black-chinned species, there have also been sightings of the buff-bellied hummingbird in Texas, identifiable by its buff-colored belly, red bill and green throat.

Four corners

In the southwestern United States, where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet, broad-tailed hummingbirds, with their long, straight bill and green, almost iridescent coloring, have been reported already this April and May.

What's more, the well-known rufous hummingbird, measuring only two to three inches, has also been sighted near Tucson and outside of Albuquerque. If you live in the Four Corners region, keep your eyes peeled for this species with its red and rusty coloration, seen in the image here.

'Hummingbird migration is all about food and warmth,' says Siobhan Shaw, sustainable gardening expert and founder of Growing to Give. 'As the weather warms and blooms open, they return.'

'Here’s something fascinating,' Siobhan says, 'I’ve personally observed many hummingbirds in the southwest when all their migrating cousins have already headed north.

'Much like geese or ducks that are born in the south and never migrate because they don’t have a northern home to return to, nor ancestral memory of a northern breeding ground, some hummingbirds stick to these southern and warmer areas, around where food and shelter are plentiful.'

Pacific Coast

'The western US hosts a wide variety of colorful hummingbirds this month,' continues Patrick. 'Arizona and California, in particular, are home to many wonderful species.

'In California, you can expect to see Allen's hummingbirds during May,' Patrick says. 'As well as the rufous.

'In both Arizona and California, you could also catch a glimpse of the black-chinned and Costa's, the latter of which has a remarkable purple coloration.'

Further north, in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana, there have already been sightings of the calliope, the smallest bird native to the United States and Canada. The male calliope is identifiable by its magenta markings around the neck, whereas the female has a bronze-green back.

'In terms of the best shrubs and the best climbers to attract hummingbirds and best perennials to attract hummingbirds,' Patrick says, 'I would add butterfly bush, flowering milkweed, impatiens, honeysuckle and pink powderpuff to any plot.

'In my experience, learning how to grow salvia is also a good idea, although I find that blue and purple salvia seem to attract more hummingbirds than red salvia, contrary to what you would expect.'

Live blue-flowering salvia plants are available from Amazon.

There are also many container flowers to plant in May that can be grown from seed, including Thunbergia, trumpet vine and cosmos. Our guide has more information on some unique flowers to plant for pollinators.

FAQs

How can I support backyard hummingbirds during May?

'Keep your borders full of nectar-rich flowers and put your hummingbird feeders out this month,' Siobhan says. 'And, importantly, keep them clean.' Use something like this bird feeder cleaner, available at Amazon, to keep the feeding stations and ports disease-free. 'You will find more than just the hummers sipping on the sweet and satisfying cocktail. Finches, flickers, woodpeckers and bees do too!'

If you think that a hummingbird may be sheltering in your yard, avoid pruning or trimming this month, and keep an eye on your shrubs and hedges. Our guide on how to stop hummingbird nests has more information.

For more wildlife garden ideas, see our guide on how to help hoverflies in your yard, and fill your borders with pollinators this spring and summer.

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The trumpet vine, or Campsis radicans, is a fast-growing climber that is prized for its profusion of tubular pink, red or orange flowers in summer. These blooms are known to attract pollinators, proving to be a hit with hummingbirds who can often be seen feeding on the nectar-rich offerings in July and August and September.

Native to North America, this vigorous climber can be found growing across much of the eastern United States, covering garden walls, fences and pergolas with dense foliage and flowers. When grown correctly, the trumpet vine will provide privacy and vertical interest to any garden for many years.

So, whether you are looking to elevate bare walls in your yard, or perhaps you want to add some color to an empty garden archway, the trumpet vine is one of the easiest climbers to grow. Here, two garden experts reveal how to grow trumpet vine this year.

How to grow trumpet vine

The trumpet vine is a low-effort climbing plant that typically blooms for three months over summer. With little attention, this native climber will bring joy and color to your plot. Be warned, however, that the trumpet vine is a vigorous climber, and in the right conditions can grow up to 40 feet in just one season. So, keeping their size under control with regular pruning is necessary.

Growing habits of trumpet vine

'If you are looking for plants to grow up a pergola or across a garden fence, you won't find much better than the trumpet vine, or Campsis radicans,' says plant expert from Wisconsin, Katie Sunderlage. 'This popular, fast-growing climber is often used to cover large empty walls or grow up a house, producing masses of blooms in the summer months.'

The trumpet vine is native to the eastern, north-central and south-central United States, found growing in the wild from New Jersey to Iowa, and south to Florida and Texas. In terms of how to grow trumpet vine, it does best from US hardiness zones 4 to 10 and can handle both wet and dry soils.

'While versatile, this plant is notably a very vigorous vine,' Katie adds, 'and often it can produce 40 feet of growth in a single year. For this reason, it is considered an invasive climber in several states, so always do your homework before planting.' Your local government office will be able to offer advice on what plants you should and should not grow.

'The blooms are trumpet-shaped, hence the naming of this climber,' Katie says. 'They can reach up to three inches in length and will last from early summer until early fall. And, it is not just hummingbirds that adore these nectar-rich flowers, but so too do native bees and butterflies.'

Live trumpet vine plants are available from Walmart.

Care guide for trumpet vine

Soil: In its native environment, the trumpet vine can be found growing along the edges of marshland, swamps or at the edge of damp woodlands, thriving in moist soil. 'While trumpet vines grow best in moderately moist ground, they will tolerate dry or even poor soil conditions,' Katie says.

Light: 'Trumpet vines thrive in full sun to part shade,' Katie adds. 'For the best flowering show, position them in a border with six or more hours of sunshine. However, this adaptable climber tends to grow almost anywhere, and will tolerate different light levels, temperatures and soils, making it a great choice for many different yards.'

Watering: Water your trumpet vine once a week during its first year. Once established, supplemental watering is generally only needed for pot-grown specimens, and most vines planted in borders will get what they need from the soil. If the plant shows signs of wilting, you should get the watering can out of the garden shed.

Fertilizing: Fertilizer is generally not needed for this climber. Trumpet vines are vigorous by nature, and so no supplemental fertilizer is necessary.

Pruning: 'To keep this vine more compact and encourage a more even growth rate, it is recommended to prune in late winter or early spring,' Katie advises. 'Do not be afraid to complete a heavy prune, cutting right back to three or four buds per stem. This will help to manage the size of your climber. Trumpet vines also bloom on new stems, so cutting back in early spring will not impact the number of flowers.'

Toxicity: Trumpet vines are considered toxic to humans and pets. Contact with the leaves and flowers can result in skin redness and swelling, so wear gloves when handling. It is also toxic if ingested, so keep an eye on children and pets. Try these long gardening gloves from Amazon, to keep your arms protected.

Support: It is a good idea to support your trumpet vine with either a trellis, wires or framework. This will help to direct the plant to grow where you want it to grow. It is a good idea to use twine or ties to loosely support and guide the vine.

Containers: Growing in pots is a good option as this will help to restrict the size and spread of your trumpet vine. Position in a sunny corner of your yard, and be sure to incorporate plenty of drainage material in your container. Water your trumpet vine at least once a week during the summer, or when the soil dries out, which can be frequent during the hot months of July and August.

FAQs

How do I get rid of a trumpet vine?

If you have inherited an overgrown or out-of-control trumpet vine, you might decide to remove it from your yard. Using a pruning saw, such as this highly rated Corona model, available from Amazon, cut right down to the base, disposing of all material in your green waste. Using a heavy-duty spade, dig out the roots and the woody base. Small shoots may appear over the coming months, but these can be dug out using a trowel. Eventually, your perseverance will pay off.

'While some people consider the trumpet vine too vigorous to grow, regular maintenance will keep it under control,' says Reese Robbins, garden expert and creator of Just Pure Gardening. 'The long-lasting blooms are a natural feeding option for many birds, and notably, will prove popular during the hummingbird migration as our native birds make their way south.'

Hummingbirds are perhaps the most popular birds found across the United States. These native miniature birds are often seen flitting and flying around yards during spring and summer but typically migrate south for the winter months.

Some species, however, remain in North America despite the change in seasons and so knowing how to care for hummingbirds in winter is important. Anna's hummingbird, for example, stays resident along the Pacific Coast, often spotted in California, Oregon and Washington. In addition, a handful of hummingbird species remain in the mild, southern states for the winter months, including in Texas and Florida where frost and snow are less common.

So, if you are wondering how to help garden birds in winter and want to support both resident birds or species that are late to or have skipped the hummingbird migration, our guide has all the information you need.

How to care for hummingbirds in winter

As with all garden wildlife in winter, providing food, water and shelter is important. As the temperature drops, we, as gardeners, must play our part to support birds and mammals through to the springtime. So, if you want to learn how to attract hummingbirds and support them through the cold weather ahead, here are three simple things you can do to help.

1. Use heated feeders for hummingbird in winter

Many gardeners ask: when should I take my hummingbird feeder down? Well, if you live along the Pacific Coast, or in a southern region, it is best to keep a hummingbird feeder in your yard year-round.

In cooler US hardiness zones, such as US hardiness zone 5, where Oregon is found, I suggest investing in a heated hummingbird feeder. These simple gadgets will prevent the nectar from freezing during cold spells, ensuring that any resident hummingbirds or stragglers who are late to join the migration will be able to feed despite the chilly weather.

Heated hummingbird feeders are available from Amazon, with an incredibly simple setup. Just plug in, and keep hummingbirds fed through the winter. Whatever nectar you choose to use, be sure to dilute it following the packaging instructions.

Finally, one common hummingbird feeder mistake is failing to clean them regularly. Even during winter, it is a good idea to clean feeders to prevent mold or bacteria build-up, which can happen quickly, especially in heated feeders. Simply mix a 1:4 solution of white vinegar and water to wipe down and rinse the feeding ports twice per month.

2. Protect hummingbird nests in winter

Hummingbirds shelter in open nests that they build using garden debris. While you might see that hummingbird houses are available to buy online, they are unnecessary and not suitable for these tiny birds - a lesson in not believing or buying everything seen online. Instead of building or buying shelter for hummingbirds, we only need to protect what they have already sculpted.

'Hummingbird nests are tiny, often about the size of a golf ball, and are typically well-camouflaged in trees or shrubs,' says Reese Robbins, garden expert and creator of Just Pure Gardening. 'They will usually be 10 to 20 feet off the ground, made of soft plant material.

'These tiny birds typically construct their nests on top of a branch or at the join of two branches. To avoid disturbing nests, do not trim trees, shrubs or hedges where you think hummingbirds might be nesting in the fall or winter. Instead, wait until early spring, before the breeding season brings and the bulk of hummingbirds return to the US in April.'

3. Plant winter flowering shrubs for hummingbirds

While it is a good idea to hang a feeder in your yard, it is far preferable to provide plenty of winter flowering native plants that hummingbirds will enjoy. What's more, providing plenty of nectar-rich plants will also encourage hummingbirds to make a home nearby, encouraging them to stop off whether they migrate or remain for the winter.

One colorful shrub is the Oregon grape, Berberis aquifolium, which is native to western North America and can be grown from US hardiness zone 5 to zone 8. Hummingbirds will flock to the long-lasting yellow flowers that open in December and January.

While there are many trees that attract hummingbirds, such as European spindle trees, why not learn how to grow witch hazel for a winter flowering specimen? The native witch hazel, Hamamelis virginiana, can be grown from zone 5 and produces vibrant spider-like blooms from January onwards that will prove popular with hummingbirds. Native witch hazel shrubs are available to order online from Amazon.

FAQs

Should I keep a bird bath in my yard for hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds will often drink from rain puddles, ponds or even melting snow, but it is a good idea to have a bird bath in any yard as a backup. In terms of bird bath winter care, keep an eye on the water and break up any ice sheets that develop to ensure that hummingbirds can hydrate.

If you are keen to get up, close and personal with these marvelous miniature birds, consider investing in a hummingbird feeder camera this year. This gadget will allow you to snap high-quality images while hummingbirds feed, helping you to enjoy the coloring and detail of their feathers and long beaks.

For more winter wildlife advice, see our guide on how to care for woodpeckers in winter, to help these native birds survive the coldest months of the year.

Popular with gardeners and pollinators alike, the native hummingbird mint makes for a colorful and aromatic addition to any yard. With long, tubular blooms that can be found in vibrant shades of red, purple and peach, hummingbird mint plants are both long-lasting and impactful, keeping the floral show going into the early fall months.

Sowing hummingbird mint seed in the fall is, in my experience, a good option that tends to have a high success rate. Direct sowing into your borders will allow the seeds to undergo a process called stratification, best understood as a period of cold weather exposure required for germination. Fall sowing in the yard will expose the seed to cold winter temperatures, therefore encouraging the plant to germinate and produce robust growth during the following spring.

As a former professional gardener, I have grown all manner of annuals, perennials, vegetables and salad crops from seed. While not always successful, in gardening, you often have to adopt a trial-and-error approach, learning from what worked and what didn't. Here, I share all my seed-sowing lessons concerning how to grow hummingbird mint, helping you to get your borders in tip-top shape and full of color next year.

How to grow hummingbird mint from seed in the fall

There are 22 different species of hummingbird mint belonging to the Agastache genus. The majority of these can be grown from US hardiness zone 5 and above, and are native to the warmer regions of North and Central America, while only one is native to Asia.

One of my favorite species that I have grown is the licorice mint, Agastache rupestris, seen in the first image here with salmon-peach blooms. Native to mountainous regions across Arizona, New Mexico and south of the border into Mexico, this species is an ideal plant for pollinators, known to attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Whatever hummingbird mint seeds you opt to grow, be sure to sow in a sunny position, as these long-flowering perennials enjoy light and warmth in the spring and summer.

Direct sowing seeds in the fall

Growing hummingbird mint from seed is a rewarding endeavor that is relatively straightforward. So long as your seed is viable and you have a sunny border, learning how to germinate seeds shouldn't be too complicated.

As a gardener, direct sowing in the yard is preferable when you don't have lots of greenhouse or cold frame space. Directly sowing seeds means that you do not need propagation stations, heated mats or bench space. Simply get your seeds in the ground and forget about them until the spring.

To begin, choose a sunny border with well-draining soil. Before I ever direct sow, I always tidy the bed, removing any faded annuals or crops, before weeding and then gently tilling or forking the soil. You then want to spend time loosening the soil with a rake, breaking up any large clumps of rock or clay.

Once your soil is tilled and level, you can scatter your seeds. If you have any hummingbird mint plants growing in the yard, be sure to stop deadheading in late summer to then save and gather the brown seed heads in fall, as seen in the image above.

It is up to you how neat or organized you want to be when seed sowing. In many of the private gardens where I have worked, keeping the formal gardens looking neat and tidy was of paramount importance, so we would sow seeds using a string line in flower garden beds. However, if you are only sowing a small patch for one, two, or three new plants, you can simply sow in the area you need. In my experience, it is best to be generous but not overzealous when seed sowing. While you do not want to waste seeds, you want to have more seedlings as an insurance policy, in the knowledge that some might not germinate. Hummingbird mint seeds are available from Walmart.

Using your fist, gently press the seeds down to ensure that they have contact with the soil. Then, lightly cover with a thin layer of garden soil combined with a little sand. Avoid burying these seeds deeply, as they need light to germinate.

Finally, water lightly, using a watering can with a rose to avoid displacing seeds. If the ground is already damp, only a small amount of water is required. Keep the soil moist through fall, adjusting the amount depending on rainfall. Galvanized watering cans are available from Amazon.

Do not water your seeds using a hose, this garden watering mistake can spell disaster for your seeds, burying them too deeply in saturated soil. If you live in a warm region, such as US hardiness zone 9 or 10, you might need to occasionally water your seeds during dry spells in the fall. This is not usually necessary in cooler, northerly regions.

Finally, be sure to label the area where you have sown hummingbird mint seeds. By the time spring comes around, you may have forgotten what was sown and where. Labelling in the fall will prevent any seed-sowing mistakes. I have learned the hard way about the important of labelling seeds.

Caring for hummingbird mint seedlings in spring

Patience is important when learning how to grow hummingbird mint from seed. When direct sowing in the fall, the seeds will lie dormant until temperatures rise in spring. As mentioned above, the Agastache genus needs cold stratification to germinate, so exposing your seeds to the chilly winter weather will result in (hopefully) lots of green shoots appearing in the spring.

As part of your spring gardening checklist, monitor your hummingbird mint seedlings and water if there is little rainfall. If you have too many seedlings, you can either prick out and dispose of them, or learn how and when to transplant seedlings to elsewhere in the yard.

For transplanting, once the seedlings are three to four inches tall, gently loosen the soil, being careful not to damage the roots. Be sure to give your seedling 12 to 15 inches of space to grow over the coming months. With some sunshine and a small amount of luck, they should flower in the first year.

FAQs

When is the best time to sow hummingbird mint seeds in a greenhouse or under cover?

If you want to sow hummingbird mint indoors, it is best to wait until late winter to early spring to do so. Sow onto moist but well-drained seed compost, lightly covering your seeds. Water your seed pots or trays from the base as opposed to from a watering can. Once germination begins, give your plants some air (either by opening the door or with a fan) to prevent damping off, which can kill your seedlings. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them to small pots, taking them outside for a few hours each day before planting outside in late spring.

Avoid mulching areas where you have sown seeds. Mulch can help to retain moisture and suppress weeds in your borders, but a thick mulch layer can prevent the germination of hummingbird mint seeds that need light. Once your seedlings have grown into small plants, you can then mulch them in late spring, which should help your young plants over the summer months.

Native to North and Central America, hummingbird mint is a long-flowering perennial that is adored by pollinators, including butterflies and hummingbirds. There are over 20 different species belonging to the Agastache genus, growing best in sunny, sheltered yards.

As a gardener, I have long been a fan of hummingbird mint, having grown the 'Blackadder' and 'Blue Fortune' varieties in different gardens where I have worked in the UK. With purple-blue flower spikes that can reach up to 3 feet tall, I know these varieties of hummingbird mint can add structure and height to garden borders.

If you already know how to grow hummingbird mint and enjoy having this native plant in your yard, you can divide these perennials to grow more clumps for the coming years. Here, one garden expert reveals the best time to do this and shares the exact steps to take to guarantee success.

How to divide hummingbird mint

As with other native perennials, such as black-eyed Susans and coneflowers, you can easily double the number of hummingbird mint plants in your yard by division. When dividing plants, there are a handful of simple rules to ensure your new plants thrive, such as knowing the right time of year to propagate.

The ideal time to divide hummingbird mint

'Hummingbird mint, or plants that belong to the Agastache family, should be divided every three to five years to help keep clumps healthy and full of flowers,' says plant expert, Katie Sunderlage.

If you are wondering when to divide plants, there are two schools of thought regarding hummingbird mint. While you can divide this perennial in the fall, many experts agree that 'the best time to divide hummingbird mint is during the spring,' Katie says.

While the exact time to divide hummingbird mint plants will depend on where you live and your US hardiness zone, opting for a mild, dry day between March and May will typically have the best results. Perennials are breaking dormancy in early springtime, utilizing energy that has been stored in their roots over the winter, thereby producing plenty of vigorous growth. For this reason, any divided clumps in spring will quickly grow.

While you can divide hummingbird mint in the fall, you want to ensure that the new plants have at least eight weeks to settle before the first frost. Temperatures and weather patterns in fall can be erratic, and snow and frost can spell the end for any young plants that have been recently divided. So, for this reason, adding hummingbird mint division to your spring gardening checklist is a safer bet.

How to divide hummingbird mint

Before you lift and divide your hummingbird mint, first gather the garden tools you will need. As well as a strong pair of leather gardening gloves, available from Amazon, it is a good idea to have a sturdy garden fork or spade, as well as a hand saw or pruning knife to hand.

'Working slowly, use your fork or spade to lift the root ball of this aromatic herb, working in a circle around the clump. Make sure to dig with plenty of space on each side so as to not cut through healthy roots,' Katie says. Eventually, the plant will loosen, and you can use your hands to lift the root ball out of the hole.

'Once you have lifted your plant, choose the number of divisions based on the size of your clump. For smaller plants, it might be best to divide into two, but for larger plants, you can divide by more.

'Use a sharp knife or pruning saw, available from Amazon, to divide your plant, ensuring that each division has a good amount of roots and healthy shoots,' Katie says. One trick I learned during my time as a professional gardener is to keep your divided clumps in a bucket of water to avoid distressing the plant when it is out of the soil.

'It’s best to quickly plant in the ground to provide the most natural growing habit for the plant,' Katie says, 'giving them plenty of space to grow, and ensuring that the crown of the new plant is at soil level.'

Finally, it is best to water plants generously after planting, continuing to water during the spring and summer as they bed into your yard.

FAQs

Should you mulch divided plants?

'Applying an inch or so of mulch after dividing hummingbird mint plants will help protect the new roots from any temperature fluctuation that may occur as well as retain moisture in the summer,' Katie says. 'Importantly, they do not respond well to fertilizer which can stress and damage newly planted divisions. Instead, mulching will provide all the goodness your divided plants need.'

How long will my divided hummingbird mint plants take to flower?

If you are lucky, your divided clump can flower during the first year, especially if you divide in the first month of spring. It can be a good idea to complete a spot of pinching out in the springtime, preventing your new plant from sending up tall stems that might bloom. This will encourage the plant to produce bushy growth as well as focus on root growth while establishing in its new home.

Timing is everything when dividing plants, and patience is certainly a virtue. So, waiting for the right moment to propagate hummingbird mint plants will produce the best results. As the temperatures rise in spring, your divided plants will exhibit remarkable growth throughout the growing season.

While many perennials are suitable for division, there are also some plants you should never divide. Propagation by this method is not suitable for certain shrubs or herbs. Our guide has all the information you need.

Firebush plants are vibrant, tropical shrubs that are popular with gardeners and pollinators alike. If you are looking for a fuss-free plant that is low-maintenance but full of colorful, vibrant flowers, look no further than the firebush shrub.

Native to Florida, Mexico, and Central and South America, firebush plants, Hamelia patens, now feature in gardens worldwide. As you might be able to tell from their native territories, these plants thrive in warm climates, and the more sunlight they enjoy, the more they will bloom.

Celebrated for their two-tone flowers, firebush plants will provide color during the springtime, often going on to bloom again in the fall depending on care and the climate. So, if you are seeking native spring flowers to attract hummingbirds and pollinators, our guide has all the information you need to succeed, including expert advice from the Florida Native Plant Society.

How to grow firebush

If you enjoy color in the backyard and like fiery and hot shades of red, yellow and orange, the firebush shrub is a good plant to consider growing. As can be seen in the images here, native firebush shrubs have long and tubular flowers, often in crimson or golden yellow. This is the flower form that hummingbirds prefer, making this species an ideal option if you are keen to support the hummingbird migration and encourage other pollinators to your plot.

Things to know about firebush plants

Wildlife gardening has gained much popularity in recent years. Whether you are looking to plant a butterfly border or are keen to spot some native birds in your yard, one of the best perennials to help with these goals is the native firebush shrub.

'With clusters of tubular, orange-to-yellow blooms that explode like firecrackers, it is hard not to love this Florida native shrub,' says Lilly Anderson-Messec, plant expert and Director of North Florida programs for the Florida Native Plant Society.

'Native to a variety of habitats in Central and South Florida, this plant loves warm winters that allow it to get quite large (up to 15ft) and flower almost year-round,' Lilly continues. 'Though not native to North Florida, it is still a favorite in many North Florida yards where it only grows 3-6ft tall, blooming in spring and summer before dying back in winter when the first frost bites.'

Much like other native plants found in Florida, such as Florida anise, this plant does best in southerly, warm regions, thriving in US hardiness zone 9 and US hardiness zone 10. However, you can grow this plant in cooler, northerly regions, but be warned that providing some protection and winterizing your plant will ensure it survives the colder months of the year. Wherever you reside, providing as much sun as possible in a sheltered corner of the yard will produce the best results.

Firebush live plants are available from Amazon.

Growing advice for firebush plants

• Soil: Firebush plants can be grown in most soils, although they do have a 'preference for average to moist soils that are rich in organic matter,' says Lilly. Avoid planting in soils that are clay-based or tend to retain water during the fall and winter, as this plant can suffer from root rot.
• Light: 'Firebush blooms best in full sun but will grow in shade but with fewer blooms,' Lilly says. Firebush can indeed tolerate partial shade but will not flower to its full potential. So, the more sunlight this plant receives, the better it will bloom. Aim for at least six hours of sunshine each day.
• Watering: This plant is a good option if you are seeking drought-tolerant landscaping ideas. Firebush plants become drought-tolerant once established, although it is best to water fairly regularly during the first year, particularly during the summer. As with most plants, deep watering is best, opting to water less frequently but with a generous amount.
• Fertilizing: When planting in the spring, consider incorporating some slow-release feed, available from Walmart, into the soil, which will help boost the plant as it settles into your yard. Applying a bloom booster feed in the spring and summer months can also be a good idea, although firebush plants tend to find what they need in the soil.
• Pruning: Regular trimming during the spring and summer is a good idea to keep this vigorous shrub at a good size and shape. Complete any hard pruning in the spring, removing any dead and winter-damaged stems so that new growth can take its place.

FAQs

Can you grow firebush plants in pots? 

With vibrant blooms, firebush plants are ideal for container gardening in any backyard, regardless of size. In cooler zones, container growing is a good idea as you can easily protect your plants during winter, using something like this frost cover from Walmart. Remember that firebush plants are native to sunny, warm regions, so your pots should be positioned in full sun to ensure that you enjoy plenty of blooms. Be sure to water your container frequently through the summer months when the temperatures rise.

As with many flowering shrubs and perennials, deadheading during the growing season is a good idea. Simply remove the faded flower heads with a pair of sharp pruning snips, available from Walmart, to encourage new blooms later in the year.

For more information, see our guide on the best plants for pollinators to fill your borders with even more perennials and shrubs that birds, bees and butterflies love.

Hummingbirds are some of the most popular birds in America. Every spring, these tiny marvels flit into backyards all over the country and provide welcome bursts of color as flowers start to bloom.

However, the love for these birds has led to some potentially predatory business practices. You can find so-called 'hummingbird houses' all over the internet. At first glance, they seem like a simple way to help local hummingbird populations and attract them to your yard. The problem, however, is that there's no such thing as a hummingbird house.

This is all you need to know about hummingbird houses, and what you should do instead to attract hummingbirds to your yard.

What's the deal with hummingbird houses?

If you like hummingbirds, you might have spent some time shopping around for wildlife accessories for your backyard. When you look for helpful products to attract hummingbirds to your yard, you may have seen hummingbird houses like these for sale on Amazon. However, these are misleading products.

The problem is that hummingbirds can't use these houses. Birdhouses like those are designed for cavity nesters. As the name suggests, cavity nesters build their nests in cavities; in the wild, this is usually in a tree hollow. These birdhouses are great for cavity nesters like wrens, bluebirds, and chickadees.

However, hummingbirds aren't cavity nesters. You can see in the image above that hummingbirds don't nest in cavities. These nests are usually built on tiny branches or the forks of trees high above the ground, so they don't need birdhouses. Any birdhouse that claims to be for hummingbirds is being missold.

On top of that, many of these 'hummingbird boxes' are advertised as Christmas gifts. Even if hummingbirds nested in cavity boxes - and we've explained they don't - it's entirely the wrong time of year for hummingbirds. Hummingbirds migrate south for the winter, spending the cold months in Central America and Mexico. In the vast majority of the country, you won't see any hummingbirds until spring.

Try a hummingbird feeder instead

There are a lot of ways you can help native hummingbird populations when they return in spring. By far the best thing you can do is to install a hummingbird feeder. These are great for two reasons. The first, and most important, is that they provide a reliable food source for hummingbirds. All you need to do is fill your hummingbird feeder with nectar, available at Walmart, or even better, use 1 part sugar to four parts water - and the hummingbirds will thank you.

The added benefit is that the feeder will attract these fascinating birds to your yard. Just remember to change the nectar every couple of days so the birds don't get sick.

Hummingbird feeders are very simple mechanisms, consisting of a reservoir for the sugar-water solution, holes so the birds can get to the nectar, and a perch to help them feed. The only thing to bear in mind is that they're particularly attracted to red feeders.

Plants for hummingbirds

There are also a range of natural ways to care for hummingbirds. If a hummingbird feeder feels like just one more piece of plastic in your home, try planting for hummingbirds instead. Flower expert, and Head of Gardens at H&G, Rachel Bull gave me some choice trees and flowers to attract hummingbirds.

'For example, you could grow a tulip tree,' says Rachel. 'They grow between US hardiness zones 4-9 and develop yellow and orange flowers that are a magnet for hummingbirds. Serviceberries flower in spring and are an excellent draw for hummingbirds, too, and other pollinators like bees. In flowerbeds, try scarlet or blue sage, as they are attracted to these colors.'

This is just the start of helping out hummingbirds. There are dozens of species of trees that attract hummingbirds, and five native spring flowers that are beloved by these birds. You could even create a hanging basket for hummingbirds with fuchsias and petunias.

The hummingbird tree, Sesbania grandiflora, is a most unusual tree. With vibrant blooms that appear bird-like, hence the name of this species, the hummingbird tree is sure to add a unique twist to any border or pot where it is grown.

Native to Southeast Asia, this fast-growing tree thrives in warmer regions with high levels of sunshine and humidity. When happy, it will produce an impressive display of pendulous white, red or pink flowers, as seen in the images here. The blooms of this tree not only attract hummingbirds but other pollinators too, including butterflies and bees, making this an ideal choice for nature lovers.

So, if you are looking for something novel or unknown to add to your yard this year, or perhaps you are starting from the beginning and wondering how to choose a tree, our guide has all the information you need. Here, one tropical plant expert based in Florida shares top tips for gardeners on how to grow a hummingbird tree.

How to grow a hummingbird tree

Hummingbird trees are sure to add a colorful twist to your yard. In addition to simply looking good, the flowers and foliage of these fast-growing flowering trees are edible and are often used in Asian cuisine. So, if you are looking for tropical garden ideas that will not only look spectacular but also add to your culinary creations, this is the tree for you.

Things to consider about hummingbird trees

Hummingbird trees grow best from US hardiness zone 9 to US hardiness zone 10 when planted out in garden borders. 'Hummingbird trees are tender and sensitive to cold weather,' says Tatiana Anderson, tropical plant expert and co-founder of Top Tropicals.

'This tropical species thrives in humid, warm zones, so it is best to grow hummingbird trees only in regions with mild winters like Florida, Texas, Arizona and California.

'With brilliant flowers that resemble little birds, these trees will put on a spectacular show and exhibit great resilience to heat,' Tatiana adds. In equatorial regions, the foliage can be evergreen, although 'sudden changes in weather or a drop in temperature can cause defoliation.'

In cooler zones, it would be best to plant your hummingbird tree in a pot, so that it is easier to protect and bring indoors during periods of frost and snow. Try to position your hummingbird tree in a sheltered, sunny corner, giving it as much heat and sunshine as possible.

Finally, be warned that hummingbird trees can produce significant growth each year, eventually reaching 20 to 30 feet tall and wide. For this reason, some states might consider this to be an invasive plant, so always check with your local government office before planting. Planting the hummingbird tree in a pot is a clever way to limit its spread and size, and will help you to manage its growth.

Hummingbird trees can be ordered online from Fast Growing Trees.

Growing advice for hummingbird trees

Soil: 'Hummingbird trees will thrive in most soil conditions,' says Tatiana, 'although it is best suited to well-draining soils.' When planting, ensure that you incorporate plenty of horticultural grit, available from Amazon, which will help to improve drainage in borders or pots.

Light: 'For the best results, grow hummingbird trees in full sun.' These tropical plants are found in warm, sunbaked regions so will perform best with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

Watering: Once established, these are relatively drought-tolerant plants, well suited to hot and dry regions. However, water regularly during the first spring and summer when your tree is settling in. It is a good idea to consider mulching around the base of your tree to conserve moisture, using something like this organic mulch available from Amazon.

Fertilizing: The hummingbird tree does not require extensive fertilization, although one to two applications of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season can help to keep your plant in good health and full of flowers.

Pruning: Regular pruning will help to limit the size and spread of your hummingbird tree. After the tree finishes flowering in the spring, cut back dead or damaged branches and any overcrowded or overlapping stems. Always be sure to use clean, sharp tools, like these Felco snips, available from Walmart.

FAQs

Can I grow hummingbird trees in pots?

Yes, 'hummingbird trees are a great everblooming tree for container culture,' Tatiana says. Growing these pink flowering trees in pots is a good idea to limit their growth and protect them in cooler regions. Position your container in a sunny spot in the yard, with plenty of drainage combined with the soil. In cooler zones, you can easily protect your hummingbird tree pot during the winter, using something like this frost protection tree kit, available from Walmart.

'The amazing thing to note about this species,' says Tatiana, 'is that the flowers, leaves and green fruits (bean pods) are edible, widely used in curries, salads or fried in batter in Asian cuisine.' When using any garden produce in the kitchen, always be sure to do your research to ascertain what you can and cannot eat from the exact species of plant in your yard. For more information, see our edimentals guide, full of tips and inspiration to make your yard more productive.

There are over 15 native hummingbird species that can be found living across the United States. From the striking ruby-throated hummingbird found in eastern woodlands to the blue-throated mountain gem seen in temperate pine-oak forests, there are many vibrant varieties to spot.

Sadly today, many species are classified as endangered or critically endangered, with the rufous hummingbird, for example, having lost two-thirds of its population since 1970. Gardeners have a part to play, and providing a safe space for these native species to feed and rest is important.

When considering how to support and attract hummingbirds, hummingbird feeder wind chimes are a practical and beautiful option that can help these native birds. Here, our guide has all the information you need, including suggestions for some of the best products to try.

Benefits of hummingbird feeder wind chimes

Whether you are looking to encourage native wildlife in your yard or you are keen to support the hummingbird migration, hummingbird feeder wind chimes are the latest accessory that will prove popular with these miniature marvels. What could be better than a relaxing evening sitting on the patio while observing hummingbirds fluttering around your beds and borders?

How to use hummingbird feeder wind chimes

If you are looking for wildlife garden ideas, installing a hummingbird feeder wind chime is an easy option to consider. These unique garden accessories combine functionality with beauty, designed to look like a wind chime that moves gently in the breeze. If you like whimsical, ethereal design, or enjoy fairy garden ideas, these unusual accessories are an ideal pick.

As well as looking good, hummingbird feeder wind chimes, available from Amazon, will be sure to attract hummingbirds to your yard, and you don't need me to tell you how birds can benefit your backyard.

They are often designed with several feeding ports, as seen below, meaning that multiple birds can feed at the same time. Just be sure to regularly refill the ports with hummingbird nectar, available from Amazon.

Many products produce a sensory, soothing sound when the wind blows, although most just have the appearance of a wind chime without making any noise. All of the products suggested here are made from painted glass, looking their best when illuminated by the sun.

When considering where to place a hummingbird feeder, always choose a location where hummingbirds are likely to visit, such as near borders and beds that are full of flowers. It is best to keep feeders out of open spots that suffer from strong winds or direct sun.

I suggest finding a sturdy branch in an established shrub or tree where the feeder can hang securely. Ensure it is at least six feet off the ground to prevent damage by larger animals like cats.

Once you have hung the hummingbird feeder winder chime, ensure that it is regularly cleaned to prevent mold or bacteria growth, and refill frequently during the spring and summer.

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FAQs

Are hummingbird feeder wind chimes noisy?

Many gardeners worry that wind chimes are antisocial. However, most of the products listed here are decorative and do not make a sound. While they have the appearance of a wind chime that moves gently in the breeze, most are purely ornamental, which will help to avoid any tricky conversations with neighbors.

It is a good idea to wait until after the hummingbird migration to take your hummingbird feeder down. Storing your feeders and wind chimes in the garden shed or garage is sensible, avoiding damage from high winds and stormy weather during fall and winter.

While this will vary depending on where you live and your US hardiness zone, it is usually best to do this at the end of October, when most of the native species have arrived at their wintering sites in Central and South America.

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If you're looking to add a vibrant splash of color to your borders that will attract plenty of pollinators, then learning how to grow hummingbird trumpet plants is a great option to consider. Prized for producing masses of orange-red blooms, this plant is a magnet for hummingbirds who can easily access the nectar that is found deep within the flowers, all thanks to their long, thin beaks.

Native to the western United States, the hummingbird trumpet plant, Epilobium canum, is found growing in Oregon, New Mexico and California (it is also known by another name, the California fuchsia). Growing happily in warm regions, this plant is remarkably low-maintenance, thriving in sunny spots and dry soils.

As a vigorous, low-growing perennial, reaching no more than 15 to 20 inches in height, the hummingbird trumpet plant can be used as a drought-tolerant ground cover. While less known than some other ground cover options, this unusual plant would add something unique to any dry, sunny yard. Here, our comprehensive growing guide has all the information you need to master growing hummingbird trumpet plants this year.

How to grow hummingbird trumpet plants

Hummingbird trumpet plants are long-flowering perennials, typically blooming from summer until fall. Part of the evening primrose plant family, Onagraceae, this plant is renowned for its resilience, thriving in poor soils, with little water and tolerating searing temperatures. Tough and beautiful - what more could you ask for?

Key information about hummingbird trumpet plants

'The hummingbird trumpet plant is a vigorous native plant that will bloom all through summer, producing masses of zingy orange flowers,' says Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at Homes & Gardens.

'It is low-growing, forming dense carpets or mats wherever planted, so it is a good option for those seeking ground cover plants,' Rachel adds. 'Whether you are looking to line a pathway or fill a large, sun-soaked area of the yard, hummingbird trumpet plants will be a tough and tolerant option.'

Native to California, these plants grow best from US hardiness zone 8 and above, preferring sunny summers and mild winters. In cooler regions, positioning these plants in sheltered corners is a good idea.

'What's more, these plants are some of the best perennials if you are seeking wildlife garden ideas or looking to attract hummingbirds to your plot,' Rachel says. 'And it is not just these miniature but mighty birds that will come flocking, but bees and butterflies too, all drawn to the nectar-rich offerings inside these tubular blooms.'

Consider planting alongside other pollinator-friendly native plants, such as hummingbird mint, available from Walmart, with striking purple flower spikes that will contrast nicely against the orange blooms.

Grow guide for hummingbird trumpet plants

• Soil: 'Hummingbird trumpet plants prefer free-draining, dry soil,' says Rachel. 'While famously low-maintenance, these plants will struggle in waterlogged borders.' For this reason, it is a good idea to incorporate some horticultural grit or vermiculite, available from Walmart, which will help to improve drainage in your pots or yard. 'They will tolerate poor soils, so can work well in rock gardens, dry borders, or even cascading over walls,' Rachel adds.
• Light: For the best results, grow this plant in full sun. Hummingbird trumpet plants are native to the western United States and northern Mexico, so be sure to position in a sunny spot, particularly if you live in a cooler region.
• Watering: As drought-tolerant plants, they do not tend to need watering once they are established in borders. In the first year, however, it is a good idea to monitor your hummingbird trumpet plants and water at least once per week during the warmer months of the year. For those living in southern US hardiness zones, this could mean watering two or three times per week when the temperatures rise, at least until your plants are established by year two.
• Fertilizing: It is not necessary to fertilize hummingbird trumpet plants. They can survive in nutrient-poor soils without any supplementary fertilizing.
• Pruning: Pruning will not be a regular or annual job for hummingbird trumpet plants. As low-growing plants, they will generally keep a compact, bushy form. If you do need to prune, cut back to the base in the spring after the risk of frost has passed. As a vigorous plant, they will quickly reshoot and grow.

FAQs

Are hummingbird trumpet plants evergreen?

While mostly treated as a perennial plant, some varieties of hummingbird trumpet plants can exhibit evergreen or semi-evergreen tendencies when grown in sheltered, sunny spots. If you enjoy mild winters, your plant may hold on to much of its foliage year-round, although for the majority of us living and gardening in cooler, northern zones, it should be thought of as a perennial.

Can I grow hummingbird trumpet plants in pots?

Yes, this plant can be grown in containers. As a drought-tolerant plant, it will be able to tolerate dry and hot summers, but remember to give your pot plants a deep watering every few days during the high heat of summer. Growing in pots is a good idea if you reside in a cooler region, as you will easily be able to protect your container during the winter, either using horticultural fleece or by placing the pot in a greenhouse or garden shed.

Hummingbird trumpet plants can quickly form dense, sprawling carpets in sunny yards. Do not be afraid to use your garden fork or spade to limit the spread and reduce the growth of your plant every few years, which can be done during springtime.

Incorporating perennials, shrubs and trees that are known to be popular with pollinators is a great idea for anyone looking to support wildlife and bolster their local ecosystem. During the hummingbird migration, which takes place in spring and fall every year, your nectar-rich plants will be an attractive snack for avian visitors. Consider investing in a hummingbird feeder camera if you are keen to take some high-resolution images and close-up shots of these small but spectacular birds as they pass over your state.

Hummingbird mint is a fragrant and colorful addition to any yard. As the name implies, this perennial is a hit with pollinators, known to attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds to its sweetly scented, tubular flowers that bloom on tall spikes. This impactful flowering perennial is ideal if you are looking for a plant to add structure and height to your garden borders.

There are over 20 different species of hummingbird mint, belonging to the Agastache genus, and the majority are native to the warmer regions of North and Central America. As you would expect, these plants thrive in sunny and sheltered spots, exhibiting a high degree of drought tolerance during the summer.

So, if you are looking for a long-flowering perennial that will be adored by pollinators and gardeners alike, hummingbird mint is the perfect choice. Here, one garden expert reveals how best to grow and care for this aromatic plant.

How to grow hummingbird mint

Often considered one of the best perennials, hummingbird mint is sure to add a sensory dimension to your yard. While the flower-loaded stems are sure to add vertical interest to a border, hummingbird mint species tend to have a sweet, licorice scent that lingers, perfuming the air during those long summer evenings.

Things to know about hummingbird mint

'Hummingbird mint, hyssops or agastache plants, however you choose to call them, are popular decorative perennials that smell just as good as they look,' says Rachel Bull, head of gardens at Homes & Gardens.

'Most hummingbird mint species can be grown from US hardiness zone 3 to US hardiness zone 10, making them a versatile and resilient perennial that most gardeners can grow.

'I love having the giant blue hummingbird mint, Agastache foeniculum, in my garden borders. The lilac-blue flower spikes have an unmistakable anise aroma, making these unusual herbs fragrant additions to any plot. If you are looking for flower bed ideas, I can highly recommend learning how to grow hummingbird mint,' Rachel continues.

What's more, hummingbird mints are ideal plants if want to encourage wildlife to your garden borders. 'These tubular, fragrant blooms are nectar-rich,' Rachel says, 'so if you are looking for ways to attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies to your plot, these plants are sure to help.'

There are many different species and varieties of hummingbird mint, found in a range of colors including purple, pink, white and red. One variety that I recommend is hummingbird mint 'Blue Fortune', available from Walmart. With lilac-blue blooms on three-foot stems, this pollinator magnet works well when paired with the orange and yellow flowers of the hummingbird trumpet plant.

Growing advice for hummingbird mint

• Soil: 'Hummingbird mints will thrive in most soil conditions,' says Rachel. 'These low-maintenance plants are very easy to grow, even in poor soil.' When planting, ensure that you incorporate plenty of horticultural grit, available from Amazon, which will help to improve drainage. 'Hummingbird mints do better in borders with good drainage,' Rachel continues, 'so in places where there is heavy rainfall during spring and fall, I would suggest adding gravel or grit to the soil to prevent the roots from rotting.'
• Light: For the best results, grow hummingbird mint in full sun. 'These plants are native to warm regions and southern climates,' Rachel advises, 'so giving your plants as much sunshine as possible will produce the best results.'
• Watering: Most hummingbird mint species are ideal plants for dry gardens. They are drought-tolerant perennials, meaning that once they are established, watering is not necessary. It is best, however, to water your plants during the first year after planting, while they establish roots.
• Fertilizing: It is not necessary to fertilize hummingbird mint plants. Feeding your plants when it is not needed is a common fertilizing mistake to avoid and can result in leggy growth and reduced flower production. These perennials should be able to access all the nutrients they need from the soil.
• Pruning: If you are growing hummingbird mint as a perennial, your plant will die back in the fall. You can either prune your plants down the ground early in the fall or wait until late winter. Use clean, sharp tools, like these Felco snips, available from Walmart. Leaving dead stems and foliage can protect the base of your plant during the cold months of the year, acting as a mulch.

FAQs

Can I grow hummingbird mint in a pot?

Yes, hummingbird mints can be grown very easily in pots. Just be sure to position your container in a sunny spot, and remember to incorporate plenty of drainage with the potting soil during planting. These plants do not like sitting in water, so it is a good idea to do all you can to prevent waterlogging.

Lilac and blue varieties of hummingbird mint are popular options if you are looking for a native perennial to add to your purple borders. However, there are many other colors available, including white, pink and red. Why not try growing one salmon-peach species, Agastache rupestris, which is native to Arizona and New Mexico? With unusual, trumpet-like blooms, this plant will prove to be a hit with local hummingbirds, particularly during the hummingbird migration.

Orange hummingbird mint seeds are available to order from Walmart.

Found across North, Central and South America, hummingbirds are dazzling miniature birds that have long attracted our fascination. Every year, hummingbirds can be seen in backyard borders, feeding on nectar-rich blooms and flitting from plant to plant at frenetic speeds. They are always a welcome sight and a sign that your outside space is attractive to native birds.

Towards the end of summer, many hummingbird species from the United States migrate southwards for the cold winter months. This hummingbird migration is a remarkable phenomenon, with some species travelling up to 4,000 miles from Alaska to Mexico. One of the most recognizable species, the ruby-throated hummingbird, Archilochus colubris, seen in the image below, weighs under 3 grams but can travel 500 miles in under a day. Proof, I think, that small is mighty.

Sadly, over 191 hummingbird species from across the Americas are experiencing declining population trends, but there are ways you can help native species as they commence their migration. So, if you are looking for wildlife garden ideas this year, the following simple steps will have a big impact on all birds, including the warbler migration.

How you can help the hummingbird migration

From summer, hummingbird migration begins across the United States, meaning that these colorful pollinators will be spotted in many states as they journey southwards.

In northern, cooler US hardiness zones, such as in Alaska or Michigan, this migration will happen much sooner than in southern locations, such as California or Florida, where some hummingbirds may even remain for the winter.

In terms of when do hummingbirds return from migration, most stay in warmer zones until the spring, when temperatures begin to rise, so you might not see them again until April or even May, depending on where you live.

There are approximately 15 native hummingbird species that move between the US and Central America each year, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service advises that for these migratory hummingbird species, it is especially important that they can access enough food resources along the way. Here, wildlife experts reveal how you can help.

1. Leave flower stems in place

Hummingbirds need plenty of energy as they migrate, capable of reaching speeds of up to 30mph and travelling great distances each day. To maintain speed, they must feed continuously throughout the day, with some species, such as the ruby-throated hummingbird, snacking on the nectar of more than 1,000 flowers each day. So, the more flowers we can provide for these pollinators, the better.

'There are many ways that we can help migrating hummingbirds as they make their way south,' says Reese Robbins, garden expert and creator of Just Pure Gardening. 'But perhaps the most important is ensuring that we grow plenty of native flowers and leave flower stems standing late into the season.'

'Plant late-blooming, nectar-rich perennials like salvia, bee balm, and trumpet vine to give them lots of feeding options,' Reese adds. 'I would also advise against spraying your plants with any chemical or pesticides, as insects are a key protein source for hummingbirds, so should be plentiful in your yard.' Native black-eyed susan live plants are available from Amazon, and would be a tasty snack for any passing hummingbirds.

'There are hundreds of native flowers that attract hummingbirds,' agrees wildlife expert Melissa Lackey. 'Here in Florida, hummingbirds love to feast on the nectar of flame vine, fire bush or the firecracker plant, just be sure to leave blooms and stems on the plant until the fall.

'Simply load your garden with red tubular-shaped flowers,' Melissa says, 'and any migrating hummingbirds will come.' Another attractive option is rainbow-colored lantana plants, available to order from Amazon.

One recent study by the University of Wyoming confirmed the importance of native plants, stating that many hummingbird species are specialists, feeding only on one or a few species of flowering plants. Ensuring that we grow native plants in our yards is, therefore, vital.

2. Provide water and nectar

It is a good idea to install one or two hummingbird perches in your yard, to give visiting hummingbirds a secure spot to perch where they can observe their surroundings.

'Hummingbirds need rest during their long migration,' Reese Robbins adds. 'So it is important to provide safe perching spots where they can take breaks.' Many cost-effective perch options are available, like these hummingbird swings from Amazon.

'It is also a good idea to have one or two hummingbird feeders in your yard,' Reese continues. 'Be sure that your feeders are clean and filled with fresh sugar water (a mix of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water). This provides a crucial energy source for the birds during their long journey.' Another option is hummingbird nectar, available to buy online from Amazon.

Finally, Reese recommends maintaining a water source in the yard. 'Keeping a shallow bird bath in your yard is a good idea, as it will keep hummingbirds hydrated and cool as they travel. Just be sure to change the water frequently to prevent any mold build-up.'

3. Prevent collisions

In new surroundings, migrating birds can often get confused and collide with windows or garden buildings which can be fatal. One study by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Smithsonian Institution estimated that between 365 million to one billion birds are killed annually in the US due to collisions with buildings. One trick is to use anti-collision window stickers, available from Walmart, which will help birds steer clear of your windows.

In addition, 'migrating birds need dark sky as they travel at night,' Melissa Lackey adds. 'Bright city lights and spotlights can disorient them. If possible, turn your lights down or off.' If you have uplighting in the yard, or festoon lights, it is a good idea to keep usage to a minimum during late summer to help travelling birds.

'This is important, but especially in September when most of the migration happens,' Melissa continues. 'Try to keep any yard lighting off, or at least not shine above a 90-degree angle.'

4. Keep a watchful eye on different species

If you enjoy the sight of these miniature marvels, then I recommend taking part in a spot of bird watching this year. Observing the species in your yard can help with vital research to identify the flight paths and populations of native hummingbirds. The National Parks Service has more information regarding hummingbird monitoring.

Finally, if you fancy yourself as a wildlife photographer, why not invest in a hummingbird feeder camera? These backyard gadgets will allow you to take close-up images of migrating hummingbirds, in staggering detail. Hummingbird feeder cameras are available from Amazon.

FAQs

When do hummingbirds make the return journey northwards?

Hummingbirds remain in Mexico and elsewhere in Central America for most of the winter. They will return north in late winter and early spring, typically arriving in southern regions around February and March, and northern regions by April and May.

Are cats a problem for migrating hummingbirds?

Cats are predators of many garden birds, including hummingbirds. Ensure that any feeders, perches, or bird baths are beyond the reach of your cats, or keep an eye on your pets when they are out in the yard.

So, now is the time to grab your bird-watching binoculars and get out in the yard. By following our simple steps, you will be able to observe and enjoy traveling hummingbirds in all their glory. For more wildlife information, see our guide on how to care for hummingbirds in winter, or for migratory information, see our feature on the monarch butterfly migration, another remarkable journey from the US southwards to Mexico that takes place each summer.

Hummingbirds are fascinating small creatures that speed through the sky as they search for food. They're delightful to watch, especially if they're in your own backyard, and there are various ways to welcome them.

One of the top ways to attract hummingbirds is to plant plenty of their favorite flowers: nectar-rich options that tend to be bright in color. If you have a large outdoor space, you can fill whole borders with suitable plants. But, if you're working with a more compact plot, or even a balcony, making a hanging basket for hummingbirds is a great alternative.

Here, you'll find expert recommendations on which plants to pick for your hanging display, plus top tips on where to hang it.

Advice for planting a hanging basket that hummingbirds will love

Planting a hanging basket is ideal for brightening small backyards. They don't take up any valuable floor space, look fabulous, and with the right plants, they'll attract butterflies and other pollinators, too.

Which plants to pick

You may wish to combine a couple of different flowers that attract hummingbirds in your basket, or use just one type of plant. Either approach can create a bold and beautiful statement.

Rebecca Sears of Ferry-Morse says, 'Hummingbirds’ rapidly beating wings in flight require significant energy. For this reason, they are attracted to nectar-rich flowers that deliver energy gain. In addition, tubular, trumpet-shaped flowers are often a giveaway for hummingbirds when looking for nectar.'

She recommends petunias, nasturtiums, and impatiens as hanging basket plants that will attract these helpful pollinators to your yard. You can shop for 'Alaska Mixed Colors' nasturtium seeds from Ferry-Morse, which have marbled leaves and fiery-hued blooms.

Wildlife expert Ben Team also recommends planting fuchsias, although suggests sticking to those that exhibit a trailing growth habit, such as the 'Tom West' cultivar. This particular variety also has delightfully variegated foliage.

Ben recommends the cardinal vine, too, which has bright red, five-petaled flowers attractive to humans and hummingbirds alike. 'The vines of this plant will start by growing upward, but their weight will eventually cause them to begin hanging down.'

Lantanas also work well in baskets, and hummingbirds adore their vivid blooms.

Where to locate your hanging basket

Ben says, 'When looking for a place to hang your baskets, be sure that you select a location that’ll be easy for the hummingbirds to spot at a distance. If possible, locate them somewhere with a direct line of sight to other hummingbird-attracting plants, such as wild-growing trumpet creeper or crossvines.' 

Rebecca also recommends looking for a location near a tree, where the birds can find protected shelter before flitting over to your basket. Don't forget, there are plenty of trees that attract hummingbirds, which may be close by.

Try to choose somewhere that will help your selected plants thrive, too. A sheltered spot is good for these hanging displays, and many bedding plants flower best with plenty of sun (but always check the labels of what you've planted, to make sure).

Finally, like when placing a hummingbird feeder, it can be a good idea to put your basket somewhere where you can enjoy the view. Avoid having it too close to windows, though, to help protect the birds from injuries. 

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FAQs

How can you keep your hanging basket healthy?

Knowing how to water hanging baskets is crucial, as they tend to dry out quicker than plants in the ground. A watering wand makes it easier to reach them.

Many suitable plants will benefit from regular deadheading, too. Not only will this freshen up your display, but it also encourages a longer blooming season.

How else can you attract hummingbirds to a small space?

Putting up a hummingbird feeder filled with homemade hummingbird food may also be an option in your compact yard. Just be sure to steer clear of the common hummingbird feeder mistakes. There might also be space to add a small hummingbird perch nearby.

Looking for more wildlife-friendly garden ideas? We have plenty of practical guides that will help, including advice on how to make a bee watering station.

Hummingbirds are remarkable creatures. As the world's smallest migratory birds, they can weigh little more than the size of a ping-pong ball yet travel over 5,000 miles from the pine-oak forests of Mexico to the Rocky Mountains in the United States - a feat of the natural world. Luckily for us, hummingbirds head north to breed, meaning that from April and May, these native miniature birds are commonly seen in backyards and gardens across the US.

If you have been wondering how to attract hummingbirds, providing food, a perch, and some water is a good start. I would also suggest incorporating native plants in your borders, such as trees that attract hummingbirds, including native dogwood trees or native blue vervain, both known to support local wildlife through different seasons. Yards that are rich in flora will undoubtedly attract native bird species.

Many of us are fascinated by hummingbirds, but getting close enough to see them in detail is tricky. That's why the new must-have wildlife gadget is proving popular with bird watchers. Bird feeder cameras produce incredibly detailed photographs at close range, allowing you to appreciate these shimmering and sometimes iridescent birds without the risk of scaring them away.

Hummingbird feeder cameras

These smart devices are packed with useful features, allowing you to see and snap hummingbirds in your backyard at any time of day. Gone are the days of staking out and waiting patiently, these digital hummingbird feeder cameras can sense wildlife, jumping into action to record any sudden bird arrivals.

How do hummingbird feeder cameras work?

Think smart bird feeder with a high-resolution camera. These innovative devices are triggered by motion, automatically capturing high-definition images or videos and updating you by sending notifications to your mobile phone. All you have to do is connect your feeder to an app through Wi-Fi and let the digital camera do the work for you. If you are looking for wildlife garden ideas this year, these hummingbird feeder cameras might be just the product you need.

You might think this a step too far from the traditional art form of birdwatching, but the images these devices can take will be sure to change your opinion. As you may be aware, hummingbirds are notoriously difficult to photograph, with some smaller species flapping their wings up to 80 times per second, appearing as a blur to the naked eye. However, with these hummingbird feeder cameras, you will be able to slow down, zoom in, and appreciate these miniature natives.

What's more, many of the associated apps for these hummingbird feeder cameras come with clever identification technologies, helping you to learn all about different hummingbird species in your yard. Some of these apps do require a subscription but can be freely used for an initial 30-day trial period.

Depending on the model of feeder you procure, some will require charging from an electrical power point, while some come with solar panels for a clever green alternative. All feeders come with small wells for a sugar-nectar mix to attract hummingbirds, which will deter pests or other birds who will not be able to access this food. If you are wondering how to help garden birds in summer, look no further than these hummingbird feeder cameras from Amazon.

It's important to note that our team have not tested any of these cameras, however, we have read the reviews and scoured the deals out there to bring you our recommended selection, with up to 38% off the full price.

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FAQs

Do hummingbird feeder cameras need Wi-Fi to operate?

Yes, most hummingbird feeder cameras require access to Wi-Fi, allowing your mobile phone to receive up-to-date and live notifications when birds are visiting. However, there are some non-WiFi camera options available, typically coming with an internal memory card that you can check by downloading the data to your computer.

For more information, see our guide on the best birdhouses to buy this year, helping you to attract a range of native birds to your yard and usher in a season of chirping and tweeting in your borders.

For more photography options, there are non-feeder wildlife cameras, available from Amazon, that can be strategically placed in the yard to get the best action shots of cardinals and warblers this summer.

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The tulip tree is remarkable and unusual. Importantly, it is not related in any way to spring flowering tulips that we all know and love. Instead, this flowering tree is prized for its flowers that appear tulip-like when they emerge, as seen in the images here.  

So, if you are seeking backyard ideas or considering planting a new tree, this might be one to consider. While it is sizeable, reaching great heights, this North American native will certainly be a fine addition to any yard. 

So, why not consider planting a tulip tree in your yard this year? Here, experts offer advice on how to grow this impactful arboreal gem. 

How to grow a tulip tree

Tulip trees are unique and striking. Known for reaching great sizes, planting a tulip tree is an excellent choice for gardeners with a large backyard. The tulip tree will go on to produce beautiful blooms and attractive foliage, often considered one of the best trees for fall color. 

Things to know about tulip trees

Tulips trees grow best in US hardiness zone 4 to US hardiness zone 9. When younger, tulip trees can be 'cold sensitive,' says Tatiana Anderson, tropical plant expert and co-founder of Top Tropicals, 'so it is best to keep frost off young saplings.' 

'Well-established trees are hardier but smaller trees will get frost damage,' Tatiana says, which is something to bear in mind if you reside in a cooler zone. 

This tree is 'fast growing and can reach a great size,' Tatiana adds, notable for its tall, straight trunk, often reaching up to 100 feet or more in ideal conditions. 

Tatiana adds that because of its size, 'it is not recommended for container growing, as it will grow out of its container in 3 to 4 years or less.' Tulips trees are more suited to growing in the ground, so ideal for those with larger plots. 

Growing guide for tulip trees

• Soil: ' The tulip tree prefers well-draining acidic soil, preferring not to sit in water,' says Jennifer Curtis, plant expert and nursery manager at Schilling's Garden Market, Oregon. One tip to improve the quality of the soil and retain moisture is to spread bark mulch over your borders every year.' 
• Light: This tree 'prefers a full sun position in the backyard, meaning that it should be planted somewhere that is unobstructed and where it gets lots of light,' Jennifer says. 
• Watering: Be sure to water your tulip tree after planting, particularly during the spring and summer. 'Newly planted trees require regular watering to help with their root development,' Jennifer adds. 
• Fertilizing: Jennifer recommends using a 'slow-release, balanced fertilizer of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) that will benefit the tree, applying in the early spring months to support flower blooming and then applying in late spring or early summer to support growth.' Using something like this tree and shrub feed from Walmart, place fertilizer spikes or granules away from the trunk, towards the drip line of the canopy.
• Pruning: As tulip trees grow so fast, occasional pruning is important to keep them under control. Tulip trees can often produce large branches and limbs that can pose a hazard during fall and winter when there are strong winds. It is best to remove dead, damaged, or weak growth in late winter or early spring, using a pruning saw to neatly remove old wood. For larger, established trees, it is recommended that you seek help and assistance from a local tree surgeon. 
• Additional Tips: Jennifer advises that tulip trees can go on to reach 90 to 100 feet tall, so considering the placement of this tree and its future spread is important. It is generally not suitable for growing in smaller yards or container gardens and grows better when given plenty of space where it will not require annual pruning. 

FAQs

Can I grow a tulip tree in a small yard or a container?

Tulip trees can reach great heights with wide canopies. For this reason, it is not recommended that you grow these trees in small yards or in containers. Tulip trees grow well and look their best when they are positioned in a large and open space, where they can grow freely and will not obstruct any other tree or structure. 

If you have the space, planting a tulip tree is a sensible backyard investment that will produce brilliant blooms and attractive foliage every year. If you are looking for other striking and unusual trees to add to your backyard this year, consider planting a pawpaw tree, for spring blooms and nutritious fruits. 

There are many ways to encourage more hummingbirds into your garden, including planting nectar-rich flowers and putting out food. 

However, if you're also interested in updating your landscaping, a flowering tree could make a great addition. Plus, it can offer other benefits – from creating shade to providing privacy. 

You'll find eight top options below that are great for attracting hummingbirds to your yard, including plenty of expert advice. Whether your space is large or small, you'll find something suitable from this list.

8 backyard trees for attracting hummingbirds

Try planting these beauties to elevate your wildlife garden. 

1. Geiger Tree

If you live in a warmer hardiness zone of 10–11, you could consider a geiger tree (Cordia sebestena). These tropical trees are recommended by Christina Kontos, a wildlife biologist from Babcock Ranch, who highlights their dense, evergreen nature and magnificent show of orange flowers during most of the year. They are a favorite among hummingbirds, she says. 

What's more, they can filter the sunlight for many other hummingbird-attracting plants, she points out, as well as providing shelter to these tiny birds while they rest in between flights.

'This species is drought-tolerant, requires sandy soils, and grows in full sun to partial shade,' she adds.

2. Crab Apple

Planting a crab apple tree will bring pretty pink or white spring blooms to your outdoor space. And, according to Dave Sheridan of Ascension Tree Care, they can be a great choice for attracting hummingbirds throughout most of the United States.

Tommy Wylde, a wildlife expert, also recommends these small backyard trees. 'They're pretty adaptable to different soil types but prefer sunny spots,' he says. 'Keep the soil moist, especially when they're young or during dry spells.' Pruning crab apples in late winter helps maintain shape and health, he adds.

Another benefit of crab apples is the small, colorful fruit produced in the fall, which is great for attracting other birds.

Try 'Purple Prince', from Nature Hills, which has purple leaves in the spring, red fruits, and good disease resistance.

3. Eastern Redbud

Dave also recommends eastern redbuds (Cercis canadensis). Because these trees bloom so early, they can be an important attractant for hummingbirds and other pollinators in the spring, he points out. 

Of course, the profusion of pink and purple blooms looks gorgeous, too, making them a top choice if you're on the lookout for flowering trees. These are followed by heart-shaped leaves, which turn yellow in the fall.

They are adaptable in terms of soil type (although well-draining is best) and suit both sunny and partially shaded sites. 'Preferring a hardiness zone of 4–9, this tree can be a great native backyard choice for most climates,' Dave adds.

You can shop for eastern redbuds from Nature Hills.

4. Tulip Tree

Tulip trees produce tulip-like yellow and orange blooms throughout the canopy from April to June, says Dave. This offers ample opportunities for hummingbirds.

Also known as Liriodendron tulipifera, tulip trees (available from Nature Hills) prefer a sunny spot, where they can create cooling shade. Suitable for hardiness zones 4–9, these fast-growing trees are low-maintenance and adaptable.

However, do take note of their mature size. 'The tulip tree can grow upwards of 80 to 100 feet tall when mature,' Dave says. 'It's important to decide whether your backyard can support such a large species.'

5. Red Buckeye

Red buckeye, or Aesculus pavia, is another suggestion from Tommy due to its bright red, tubular flowers in spring. 'Hummingbirds can’t resist the color red, and the shape of the flowers is perfect for their feeding,' he says. These flowers are known to attract butterflies, too.

'Plant it in a sunny to partially shaded spot in well-drained soil,' Tommy continues. 'Water it regularly, especially in the first few years to establish a strong root system. It’s relatively low-maintenance but appreciates a little mulch to keep its feet cool.'

It's a striking deciduous tree with early spring leaves. But, do bear in mind that all parts of it, including the shiny nuts which drop to the ground, contain toxins and should not be eaten. Because of this, it may not be a good option for your yard if you have pets or children.

6. Northern Catalpa

Dave also suggests growing northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) to attract these birds. 

They produce large clusters of white flowers that resemble orchids, he says. 'These trees bloom in the late spring, somewhat delayed from other species, creating great opportunities as a later food source for pollinators.' 

These native species prefer hardiness zones of 4–8, Dave continues. However, he points out that they can grow up to 70 feet tall, so like tulip trees, be sure you have suitable space before you plant. 

For large backyards, these are great specimen trees for creating shade and welcoming wildlife. Northern catalpas are available to buy from Nature Hills.

7. Strawberry tree

Strawberry trees, available at Fast Growing Trees, produce prolific, bell-shaped blooms in the fall. It is these nectar-rich flowers that attract hummingbirds, however the fruits that follow will attract other birds to your yard, too.

These charming and compact evergreens can be grown as trees in pots on your patio, or, in warmer climes (zones 8–11), planted straight into the ground. Somewhere sunny and sheltered with acidic, well-draining soil is best. 

Once established, they're tolerant to drought and easy to look after, requiring minimal pruning.

8. Lilac

If you're looking for a tree to attract hummingbirds with beautifully fragrant flowers, growing a lilac is definitely worth considering. These springtime favorites come in hues of pink, white, or purple – and are great plants for other pollinators, too.

Plant them in full sun to partial shade, with good drainage. They grow relatively fast, but knowing how to prune lilacs properly will keep them looking neat. 

For container gardens, there are compact varieties available. Try 'Miss Kim' from Fast Growing Trees, which only reaches up to 8 feet and has purple-colored foliage in the fall. Alternatively, try 'Tinkerbelle®' from Nature Hills, which has pretty pink blooms.

FAQs

Which evergreen trees attract hummingbirds?

Evergreen trees are great for upping garden privacy as they provide a leafy screen all year. Strawberry trees are a lovely choice with their colorful fruit and flowers. Geiger trees are also an option if you live somewhere warm.

Elegant eucalyptus trees with their small, fuzzy blooms are also known to attract hummingbirds. However, they are invasive plants in some regions, so double-check before you buy.

For something a little shrubbier, consider the bottlebrush tree, available from Nature Hills. Suitable for sunny spots in warmer climes (hardiness zones 9–11), it has striking red flowers which attract hummingbirds. Plant it in pots, as a small specimen tree at the side of a border, or even as a hedging plant.

Alternatively, if you're looking for evergreen shade plants that attract hummingbirds, consider rhododendrons with their vibrant blooms.

Which is the best small tree to attract hummingbirds?

If you're working with a small backyard, strawberry trees, crab apples, and compact varieties of lilacs will help attract hummingbirds while being suited to your space. They can thrive in large planters, too – perfect for brightening up a patio.

To increase your chances of attracting these birds, you could hang hummingbird feeders from tree branches, too. And, while it can be bought ready-made, it's easy and budget-friendly to make hummingbird food at home using our guide.

Spotting wildlife in the backyard is a welcome sight in spring. As birds, butterflies and bees return to our garden borders, we are reminded that the colder months are behind us and the long growing season is to come. 

By filling our yards with native spring flowers to attract hummingbirds and pollinators, gardeners will be able to enjoy the welcome sight of wildlife buzzing and feeding during the spring and summer months ahead. So, if you are assessing your spring garden checklist, or considering spring garden ideas, planting native trees, shrubs and perennials is recommended, and, for your efforts, you can enjoy a wildlife show in your backyard. 

Here, experts share some of the best native spring flowers to attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees, helping you to create a garden for pollinators this year. 

Spring flowers to attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees

If you are seeking wildlife garden ideas, planting native spring flowers to attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees is recommended. Doing so will mean that gardeners can enjoy the welcome sight of wildlife activity in the backyard in the spring and summer months.

1. Firebush

When considering how to attract hummingbirds to your yard, planting a firebush shrub in your borders will undoubtedly prove popular with birds and other pollinators.   

The firebush shrub, or Hamelia patens, is native to the American subtropics and tropics, growing best in US hardiness zone 9 to US hardiness zone 10, with its range extending from southern US states, including Florida, down through Mexico to Argentina. 

'Clusters of tubular, orange-to-yellow blooms explode like firecrackers on this Florida native shrub that is a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies,' says Lilly Anderson-Messec, plant expert and Director of North Florida programs for the Florida Native Plant Society. 

'Native to a variety of habitats in Central and South Florida, where the warm winters allow it to flower almost year-round,' Lilly adds. 'The firebush shrub blooms best in full sun but will grow in part shade with fewer blooms.' 

2. Serviceberry

Spring flowering shrubs and trees can offer shelter and protection to birds while also providing nectar and berries. For those considering how to attract red cardinals and other birds and pollinators to your yard, growing native shrubs and trees is recommended. 

'In our bird border, we planted a variety of mostly native small trees and shrubs, to provide habitat and food for birds,' says Meredith Simpson, horticulturist and leading grounds crew member at the Oudolf Garden, Detroit.

'Woodland plants that fruit in spring, like the Amelanchier or serviceberry, are beloved by birds,' Meredith adds. 'As soon as the border was planted, the cedar waxwings began to appear and stayed to eat.' 

Many species of the serviceberry tree are native to North America, growing best in US hardiness zone 4 to US hardiness zone 8, growing from Maine to Alabama. 

Serviceberry trees are available to buy online at Garden Goods Direct. 

3. Texas bluebonnet

The Texas bluebonnet, Lupinus texensis, is a striking native lupin found growing in Texas, Florida, Louisiana and Arkansas. As the state flower of Texas, bluebonnets and other lupins are celebrated as popular plants for pollinators, with nectar-rich blooms illuminating prairies and backyards from spring. 

When considering how to grow bluebonnets, these plants do best when planted in US hardiness zones 4 to 8, preferring a full-sun position with free-draining soil. 

Another beautiful option is the golden lupin, Lupinus densiflorus, found growing along the Pacific coast. This species is a popular California native planting option that birds and butterflies love. 

Shop for native spring flowering plants

4. Lantana

Lantana are flowering plants that are native to tropical regions of the Americas. They can 'tolerate the heat and drought found here in the south,' says Tricia Hunt, plant expert and owner of Millstone Nursery, based in Germantown, Tennessee. 

The bright blooms are almost kaleidoscopic in color and are a 'magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds,' Tricia says. 'From early morning until late in the evening, your lantana plants will buzz with activity, and who knows, you might even spot a hummingbird moth feeding on the sweet nectar.'  

For gardeners wanting to know how to grow lantana, these plants are considered low-maintenance and hard-working, flowering for much of the spring and summer and lasting until the first frost. 

Growing best in US hardiness zone 7 to zone 11, those in cooler zones can grow lantana plants in containers or as annual plants, considered as one of the best and most striking spring flowers for pots. 

5. Columbine

One of the most popular spring flowering plants, columbines are striking flowers that attract bees, butterflies and birds. Red columbine, or Aquilegia canadensis, is a perennial plant native to North America, celebrated for its clashing red and yellow blooms. 

Columbines are popular cottage garden plants, often paired with foxgloves or roses in backyard flowerbeds. The native red columbine is often associated with wild meadows and prairies, happily self-seeding in open grassland.

For those gardeners asking what is prairie planting or what is meadowscaping, giving a small part of your yard to native perennials and wildflowers is certainly one of the most popular and appealing garden trends of recent years. Planting one or two native plants, such as columbines, can have a big impact, with wildlife drawn to these blooms. 

Columbines are typically hardy and can be grown in US hardiness zone 3 to zone 9, preferring a partially shaded position in well-draining soil. Flowers will bloom in the spring, and they are often considered one of the best native spring flowers to attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.

FAQs

What spring flowering plants can I grow in a container?

While all of the above plants can be grown in a container, lantanas and lupins are two spring flowering options that are colorful, long-lasting and are proven to be popular with pollinators. As with any container display, ensure that you incorporate plenty of drainage when planting, watering consistently through the spring and summer when the temperatures rise.

Incorporating native spring flowers to attract hummingbirds and other pollinators in backyard borders should be an important consideration for all gardeners.

If you have a shady backyard and wonder what flowering plants you can grow, fear not, numerous shade plants that attract hummingbirds and pollinators produce beautiful blooms even in shady spots. 

If you love having your yard filled with beautiful wildlife, there's no doubt you will have considered installing a hummingbird feeder. 

However, these feeders can not only attract hummingbirds to your garden, but they can also allure the attention of other birds, which can sometimes be a problem. 

When other feathered friends use the same feeder, it can prevent hummingbirds from using and visiting the feeder. But don't worry, to ensure beautiful hummingbirds keep coming back to your yard, we've asked experts on how to stop other birds from using a hummingbird feeder.

How to keep other birds away from your hummingbird feeder

'These feeders are specifically designed for the small size and feeding habits of hummingbirds,' explains says Autumn Hilliard-Knapp, houseplant expert from Perfect Plants. 

The feeders typically have a long container that holds food that hummingbirds eat, like nectar, with small holes for hummingbirds to place their long beaks into to feed from. These are often brightly colored and with flower shapes to attract hummingbirds.

Why should you stop other birds using a hummingbird feeder?

It's important to stop other birds from using a hummingbird feeder because it can impact the quality of the hummingbird food and how many of these birds actually use it.

'When larger birds, such as sparrows or finches, attempt to access the feeder, they can spill the nectar and potentially damage or break the delicate feeder,' says Autumn.

Hummingbirds feed on nectar, insects and sap, and often gardeners will make hummingbird food for hummingbird feeders or buy special bird food, like this hummingbird nectar from Amazon. This means that hummingbirds are unlikely to try feeding on regular natural bird feeders that contain things like fat balls, so they must have access to their specific hummingbird food if you want to attract these dazzling little birds to your yard.

'Hummingbirds, with their small size and delicate nature, may be intimidated or unable to compete with larger birds for access to the feeder which may prevent them from entering your yard,' says Paris Lalicata, head of plant education and community at The Sill.

Hummingbirds are some of the smallest of mature birds, only reaching around 5 inches in length. The presence of larger garden birds, such as starlings or blue tits, may scare away these little birds.

'Other birds may also contaminate the nectar in the feeder with their beaks or by dropping debris into the liquid and spoiled nectar can pose health risks to hummingbirds,' Paris adds.

How to stop other birds from using a hummingbird feeder

There are a few things you can do to discourage other birds from using hummingbird feeders in your garden. 

'Position the feeder in a location that is easily accessible to hummingbirds but less accessible to larger birds,' suggests Paris. Knowing where to place a hummingbird feeder can be tricky but choosing a location that is only easy for these small birds to get to, such as among tree foliage, can discourage larger birds from going near it.

Another method and an obvious choice for lovers of all birds is to provide alternative food sources for the larger species. 'Offering other food sources, such as an orange or a jelly feeder, could help steer orioles or other nectar-loving species from your hummingbird feeder,' says Dr. Emma Greig, project leader of Project FeederWatch at Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

By learning where to hang bird feeders for other birds you should be able to keep unwanted guests dining at your hummingbird station.

You can also make it physically harder for other birds to use a hummingbird feeder with something like a baffle, like this clear baffle from Amazon, which creates a protective barrier. 'Install a baffle or cage around the feeder to prevent larger birds from accessing it. These barriers can be designed specifically for hummingbird feeders and are effective in keeping larger birds away,' says Autumn.

Shop hummingbird feeders

FAQs

How do you keep insects away from hummingbird feeders?

It's important to keep ants out of hummingbird feeders and to keep bees away from hummingbird feeders, among other insects, because they can contaminate the hummingbird food. 

The best methods to keep insects away include regularly cleaning hummingbird feeders and providing other food and pollen sources for those insects, such as nectar-rich plants for pollinators.

You should try to discourage other birds from using a hummingbird feeder if you want to keep seeing these small feathered friends in your garden. 

Make sure you also read up on hummingbird feeder mistakes and find out when to put out hummingbird feeders to effectively attract them to your yard.

Most of us love the sight of a hummingbird or two flitting around our backyard. And putting out feeders or planting nectar-rich flowers are great ways to encourage these visitors. But another important way to make a backyard as hummingbird-friendly as possible is to provide places for them to perch.

After all, these tiny creatures need somewhere to rest their wings from time to time, so providing a perch shouldn't be overlooked when trying to attract hummingbirds to your yard. There are multiple ways to do so, as the experts in this guide explain.

Why do hummingbirds need perches?

If you have planted flowers that attract hummingbirds in your backyard, you've likely watched them feast on them while in flight. 'Hovering in mid-air while feeding consumes a lot of energy for hummingbirds,' says Kelsey Waddell, an expert from WildBirdScoop.com. 'Having perches nearby allows them to conserve energy by perching and resting between feeding, rather than constantly hovering. They also need to rest and digest their food, which they eat in huge amounts to fuel their high-energy activities.'

Zach Hutchinson, Owner of FlockingAround.com, agrees that perches provide a place for birds to take a temporary rest, but adds that there are other benefits, too.

For the males of most hummingbird species in North America, the perch is used as a place to watch over territory, defend food resources, court females, offer displays of grandeur, and watch for predators and other males, he says. 

'During the breeding season, females perch out in the open far less than males. They prefer a more secretive approach, with perches that are hidden within layers of leaves or needles, offering camouflage and protection. Males, though, prefer a perch in the wide open space, high above their domain, where they can look and listen in all directions. They want to sit atop a throne fit for a hummingbird.'

How to offer hummingbirds a place to perch in your yard

'With the minuscule grappling hooks that hummingbirds have for feet, these mighty minis can grip and perch on almost any structure,' says Zach. 'They will perch on clotheslines, light fixtures, powerlines, fences, and a variety of other manmade objects. More natural perches include tree branches, bushes and snags.'

To create a perching environment that's suitable for both male and female hummingbirds, he recommends planting plenty of native trees and bushes. 'The combination of these plants creates a structured space that male hummingbirds can patrol above, while female hummingbirds slink through below.'

Zach notes how these native woody plants also provide other benefits: nesting habitat and homes for insects – a crucial part of hummingbirds' diet. 'Offering hummingbirds not only a space to perch, but also a buffet and a home, is the best way to keep hummingbirds hanging around your home for years.'

If you have a compact, urban plot, a paved space, or a rental, then it may not be possible to plant trees and shrubs. But don't worry – there are other options. 'The use of a clothesline set well above arms reach will offer hummingbirds a safe perch space as well,' says Zach. 'If this is the option used, make sure to avoid using ropes with synthetic fibers, as they can become wrapped around the feet of hummingbirds causing injury. I have seen this firsthand, and I strongly urge hummingbird-lovers to heed that advice. 

'If using a metal line, try to use a wire with a protective outer coating, limiting the chance for the hummingbird to be injured by any protruding metal bits.'

'As a final thought for a perch, consider creating a natural perch through some crafted means,' he adds. 'Perhaps erect a post or pole and then securely mount some large tree branches to the pole. This will offer the hummingbird a more natural perch but does not require a significant yard remodel.'

There are also hummingbird perches available to buy online, such as these decorative Winemana Hummingbird Swings from Amazon, which can be hung from a tree branch or somewhere else up high. Alternatively, Kelsey suggests creating dedicated perch stations in your yard by installing small poles or rods at strategic locations. 'These can be made from materials like wooden dowels or metal rods of around 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter. 

'Place them near hummingbird feeders or flower gardens, and at different heights to provide variety for the birds,' she adds.

Putting out perches is a great way to make your backyard more wildlife-friendly. And to increase your chances of spotting these feathered friends even further – while keeping them healthy and happy – remember to keep their feeders clean, and avoid these common hummingbird feeder mistakes. If you want to take photos of these miniature native birds, see our guide on hummingbird feeder cameras, for impressive close-up shots.

As temperatures warm, the sight of a hummingbird or two becomes an exciting prospect. These colorful creatures may be tiny but they're a delight to watch, especially if it's from your own patio or kitchen window.

It's no surprise that many homeowners look for ways to attract hummingbirds to their backyard – and providing food is one of the best ways to do so. However, it's not just sugar water that these feathered friends feed on, as this guide explains.

Nectar

Putting out feeders filled with shop-bought or homemade hummingbird nectar will encourage a visit from these feathered friends. Planting nectar-rich flowers that attract hummingbirds will also provide this important source of food.

However, as Kelsey Waddell (an expert from WildBirdScoop.com) and Zach Hutchinson (Owner of FlockingAround.com), reveal, their diet is more varied than this. 'In fact, a diet of only nectar and sugar water would not sustain a hummingbird beyond a few days,' Zach says. 'Consider the sugar goodness provided by flowers and feeders to be the recharge needed by hummingbirds when they plug their bills in. This gives them the energy to find and consume the other main component of their diet, arthropods.'

Insects

Zach explains how insects provide the protein and other nutrients necessary for hummingbirds' healthy bone and feather growth.

'In flight, hummingbirds will "hawk" insects by catching them mid-flight,' says Zach. 'What often appears as indiscriminate flight patterns is actually our favorite hummers hunting insects that are often too small for our eyes to see without a closer perspective. 

'Included in the list of insects taken in flight include small bees, flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and spiders (spiders do not fly, per se. Instead, they float with style).

'These are not the only arthropods taken,' he continues. 'These feathered friends also help control other insects by "gleaning" aphids off of plants. They will even eat the larvae and eggs of moths, butterflies, and other invertebrates.'

Avoiding pesticides, using organic gardening practices, and planting a variety of flowers and shrubs will help to keep insect populations up and therefore attract more hummingbirds, Kelsey explains.

Sap

If nectar and insects aren't readily available, hummingbirds can feed on sap. 'Hummingbirds will use the sap wells of sapsuckers, a type of woodpecker,' says Zach. 'These sap wells are drilled open by the sapsuckers, and then the wells fill with the sticky lifeblood of the tree. 

'Hummingbirds will use this sap as a backup resource, but just as importantly, hummingbirds will consume the insects that are attracted to, and get stuck in, the sap.'

'Consider planting trees that produce sap, such as maple or birch,' recommends Kelsey. 'If you already have these trees in your yard, you’re in luck – just be sure to avoid using any chemicals or pesticides on these trees.'

Overall, hummingbirds need a mix of food sources to thrive, just like humans. And growing native flowers, bushes, and trees in your yard is a great way to offer this, as Zach advises.

'These all can provide nectar and sap, but just as importantly, native insects depend upon native plants,' he says. Plus, the plants will create a beautiful botanical display for you to admire, too.