Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden

The last day of April, finally marks the perfect time for us northerners to get those hummingbird feeders dusted off, cleaned out and ready for the graceful birds to sip their favorite sweet drink from. For the rest of you, well, I hope your feeders are already hanging out and attracting our feathered friends! 

Whatever suits your style, or budget, there is a hummingbird feeder available for your garden.

Styles vary from the simple plastic models to handcrafted blown glass. Check out this link for a wide variety to choose from.

The hummingbird feeding liquid, that is used in hummingbird feeders to attract hummingbirds, is a simple sugar and water solution. It is made up of a ratio of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. This ratio will produce a hummingbird feeding liquid that will closely resemble the nectar found in flowers. Premade hummingbird mixtures are also available at most stores and online. For more info about keeping feeders clean and detailed info on hummingbirds visit this link.


If your garden is planted to attract hummingbirds, your already one step ahead of the game. If not, why not add some plants this spring? I've listed a few of the most popular plants that attract the delicate birds, but this link gives a more indepth look at northern hummingbird gardening.

Plants and bushes to attract and feed hummingbirds include:

Trees and Shrubs

• Azalea
• Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
• Lantana
• Weigela

Vines

• Coral Honeysuckle
• Cypress Vine
• Morning Glory
• Trumpet Creeper

Flowers

Some may be annuals or perennials depending on zone.

Perennials

• Bee Balm (Monarda)
• Canna
• Cardinal Flower
• Columbine
• Coral Bells
• Four O'Clocks
• Foxglove
• Hosta
• Lupine
• Penstemon
• Yucca

Annuals

• Beard Tongue (and other penstemons)
• Fuchsia
• Impatiens
• Petunia
• Various Salvia species

So as your out and about looking for those special plants and objects for your garden, don't forget your feathered friends. Keep in mind as summer heat approaches, it's not just attracting and feeding the birds, its also about hydrating them. Look for water features like, bird baths, fountains and small ponds.