Hummingbirds, the world's smallest birds, are amazing to watch flying in and out of your yard at over 30 mph. The over 340 species of this avian family are beautiful and productive pollinators.
Bright nectar-producing flowers can attract hummingbirds to your garden, but there's a lesser-known trick. Plant flowers in odd-numbered clusters of three, five, or seven to mimic nature and attract hummingbirds.
This method helps landscapers generate natural asymmetry, diversity, balance, pollination, and esthetic appeal. This method supports your yard's ecosystem, attracting hummingbirds and other garden creatures.
Hummingbirds choose groups of attractive flowers without smelling them. They favor tubular red, orange, yellow, and pink flowers, but brilliant blossoms can attract them.
Flower Cluster Planting Tips The perennials trumpet vine, red morning glory, trumpet honeysuckle, cardinal flower, columbine, wild bergamot, and bee balm attract hummingbirds.
Plant odd-numbered clusters in conspicuous spots with space between for hummingbirds to hover and sip. Choosing varying-height permanent and annual flowering plants, trees, vines, and herbs can help attract these jeweled critters while providing shade and refuge.
Butterfly bushes, weigela, flowering dogwoods, and crabapple trees make wonderful hummingbird oasis plants. Choosing plants that bloom longer will keep hummers coming back all season.
Include a water feature in your garden design to attract these avian acrobats. You can offer a water mister, shallow water dish for drinking and dipping, or a gently flowing water fountain to these visitors.
Remember that hummingbirds need to rest. Indeed, they beat their wings 70 times per second and almost 200 times when diving. Make sure they have branches to rest on while choosing their next food.
This secure and appealing habitat may attract hummingbirds to nest in your yard, supporting their number and insuring their return year after year. You may even see the same hummingbirds every season.