Specifications of Hummingbird Plants

Flower Color

• Use brightly colored flowers -- red, orange and deep yellow. Red is by far the most popular hummingbird color. Unlike other wildlife, hummers cannot pick up flowers by their scent. Be sure you have colorful blooms all summer long. Once in your garden, they will extract nectar from lighter colored flowers too. In mild areas, you may have hummers to feed in the winter. Be sure to include hardy, winter-blooming plants for them.

Flower Shapes

• Hummingbirds have long bills that act like straws. Once the nectar is brought in, they use their tongues to drink. This is why flower shapes are very important. Flowers that have trumpet blooms, like foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), provide easy access to nectar. Red bee balm (Monarda didyma) appears as a ray-type flower, but close-up it has little tubes perfect for a narrow beak.

Bloom Times

• Most hummingbirds migrate to warm climates in winter, and they return to the feeding sites in mild weather. This pattern varies by region, so observe hummingbird habits in your garden. Have plants blooming when they arrive and then throughout the season. Concentrate on perennial plants, so they will serve hummers year after year. You can use annual flowers and herbs to fill in any gaps. Early bulbs like daffodil and hyacinth are a good draw. Another favored early flower is columbine (Aquilegia). Add continuously blooming plants like hardy fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica) cape fuchsia (Phygelius) that will provide nectar throughout summer.

Shrubs

• Have low-branching shrubs near the perennial garden and nectar feeders. This will provide hummer's with a place to rest and a place for refuge. If you are lucky, they will build their nests nearby and introduce their offspring to your habitat. Double the benefit by choosing shrubs with good nectar flowers. Many shrubs bloom before perennials in spring, so this will extend the season. Blueberry plants provide early, urn-shaped flowers and easy twigs to perch on.

Provide for All Your Hummingbirds' Needs

• Have water in your garden during hot weather. Hummingbirds drink the water and also use it to cool themselves. Water features that create a mist, or spray, are their favorites. Have clean, fresh nectar in feeders for early spring arrivals. This will acquaint hummers with your landscape while awaiting flowers. Once you have a variety of seasonal blooms, the birds will prefer them over the feeders.