Hummingbird Attractors
Most of us fill our gardens with plants that we find to be beautiful. Fortunately, our plants not only attract our attention but also attract the attention of hummingbirds. Encouraging hummingbirds to visit during the spring and summer can be done by planting plants that they like and by supplying them with nectar by using hummingbird feeders.
There are a large variety of plants that attract hummingbirds. Although the color red is their favorite, you are not limited to using only red flowers. The following is a small sample of some of the flowers that commonly attract hummingbirds:
Bee Balm(Monarda), Colombine(Aquilegia), Butterfly Bush(Buddleia), Delphinium,
Hollyhock(Alcea), Trumpet Vine(Campsis), Cardinal Vine(Lobelia), Rose of Sharon,
Lantana, Fuchsia, Canna, Impatiens.
You may choose to further encourage these tiny birds to become frequent visitors by using commercial feeders. The proper nectar solution for a feeder is one part sugar to four parts water. Using a stronger solution could be too difficult for them to digest. Adding red food coloring is unnecessary since most feeders have red parts made to attract the hummingbirds. The solution should be changed every few days to prevent it from fermenting. In addition, the feeders should be thoroughly cleaned once a week with hot, soapy water and rinsed with boiling water. Filling the feeder with a small amount of food will help remind you to clean it before refilling with new solution.
Hummingbirds are very territorial, so hanging more than one feeder may help keep peace among males who visit the feeders. Feeders placed at different heights may also discourage aggressive behavior.
Providing water also encourages the hummingbirds to visit your garden. They find sprinklers and misters irresistible and will often bathe in the drips collected on the leaves of nearby plants.
Most gardeners love to share the beauty of their gardens with their friends. You will certainly want to count these beautiful and entertaining little birds among some of your most cherished friends.
By: Gayla Parker
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses
There are a large variety of plants that attract hummingbirds. Although the color red is their favorite, you are not limited to using only red flowers. The following is a small sample of some of the flowers that commonly attract hummingbirds:
Bee Balm(Monarda), Colombine(Aquilegia), Butterfly Bush(Buddleia), Delphinium,
Hollyhock(Alcea), Trumpet Vine(Campsis), Cardinal Vine(Lobelia), Rose of Sharon,
Lantana, Fuchsia, Canna, Impatiens.
You may choose to further encourage these tiny birds to become frequent visitors by using commercial feeders. The proper nectar solution for a feeder is one part sugar to four parts water. Using a stronger solution could be too difficult for them to digest. Adding red food coloring is unnecessary since most feeders have red parts made to attract the hummingbirds. The solution should be changed every few days to prevent it from fermenting. In addition, the feeders should be thoroughly cleaned once a week with hot, soapy water and rinsed with boiling water. Filling the feeder with a small amount of food will help remind you to clean it before refilling with new solution.
Hummingbirds are very territorial, so hanging more than one feeder may help keep peace among males who visit the feeders. Feeders placed at different heights may also discourage aggressive behavior.
Providing water also encourages the hummingbirds to visit your garden. They find sprinklers and misters irresistible and will often bathe in the drips collected on the leaves of nearby plants.
Most gardeners love to share the beauty of their gardens with their friends. You will certainly want to count these beautiful and entertaining little birds among some of your most cherished friends.
By: Gayla Parker
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses
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