Hummingbirds are some of the most amazing creatures on earth. Their tiny bodies and fast beating wings allow them to hover in place as they drink nectar from flowers. Hummingbirds play an important role as pollinators for many flowering plants. That’s why it can be very rewarding to try to attract hummingbirds to your yard by planting flowers they love.
What do hummingbirds eat?
Hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from drinking nectar. They have long slender beaks and tongues that are perfectly adapted for reaching into tubular flowers to lap up the sugary nectar inside. While hummingbirds need nectar for energy, they also consume small insects for essential proteins and nutrients. So the ideal flowers for hummingbirds are tubular in shape and produce abundant nectar, while also attracting plenty of pollinating insects that hummingbirds can snatch up.
What are the best hanging plants to attract hummingbirds?
Here are some top choices for hanging basket plants that hummingbirds find irresistible:
Fuchsia
Fuchsias are a favorite of hummingbirds thanks to their pendulous flowers that hold lots of sweet nectar inside. There are many lovely hybrid fuchsia varieties to choose from, but some good ones to try are:
- Fuchsia ‘Gartenmeister Bonstedt’ – a hardy variety with beautiful red and purple blooms.
- Fuchsia ‘Swingtime’ – a hybrid with profuse red and white blooms.
- Fuchsia ‘Firecracker’ – produces masses of red flowers with purple tips.
Petunias
Petunias are a popular pick for hanging baskets because of their colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers and long bloom period. Hummingbirds visit petunias frequently to drink their nectar. Some petunia varieties that attract hummingbirds include:
- Supertunia ‘Royal Velvet’ – deep purple blooms.
- Supertunia ‘Vista Bubblegum’ – bright pink flowers.
- Supertunia ‘Vista Silverberry’ – lavender-blue flowers.
Begonias
Many begonia varieties also make excellent hummingbird attractors. Their brightly colored, tubular blooms containlots of nectar. Some begonia types that hummingbirds love are:
- Begonia ‘Dragon Wing Red’ – bright red blooms.
- Begonia ‘Whopper Rose with Green and Bronze Leaf’ – rosy-pink flowers.
- Begonia ‘Big’ – extra-large pink or red blooms.
Impatiens
Impatiens are known for their bright, poppy-like flowers that bloom continuously from spring to fall. Their nectar draws in hummingbirds all season long. Some top impatiens picks include:
- Impatiens SunPatiens Compact Electric Orange – bold orange color.
- Impatiens SunPatiens Spreading Coral – salmon-colored blooms.
- Impatiens ‘Super Elfin XP Red’ – vibrant red flowers.
Geraniums
Certain varieties of flowering geraniums also attract hummingbirds with their tubular blooms and appealing colors. Consider these types:
- Geranium ‘Calliope Dark Red’ – deep red flowers.
- Geranium ‘Orion’ – violet-blue blooms.
- Geranium ‘Kim’ – bright magenta flowers.
Lantana
Lantana produces flower clusters in shades like yellow, orange, pink, purple and red. The nectar-rich blooms provide food for hummingbirds through summer and fall. Some top lantana picks are:
- Lantana ‘Bandana Cherry’ – cherry-red flowers.
- Lantana ‘Bandana Lemon Zest’ – bright yellow blooms.
- Lantana camara ‘Radiation’ – multicolored flowers.
Verbena
Verbena is valued for its long flowering period and colorful clusters of petite blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Good verbena varieties include:
- Verbena ‘Superbena Royale Chambray’ – violet-blue flowers.
- Verbena ‘Superbena Royale Peachy Keen’ – peach blooms.
- Verbena ‘Imagination’ – magenta flowers.
What is the best way to hang a hummingbird plant?
Here are some tips for displaying hanging basket plants to best attract hummingbirds:
- Hang the plant in a visible location where hummingbirds will notice it.
- Choose a spot that gets 4-6 hours of direct sun daily.
- Use a sturdy plant hanger or hook that can support the weight of the basket.
- Hang the basket 3-5 feet above the ground.
- Place it near other hummingbird-friendly flowers for maximum appeal.
- Situate it near a window that you can open so you can view the hummingbirds up close.
- Avoid areas with high winds that could blow the basket around.
- Use a basket liner and saucer to protect from leaks.
- Be sure the basket has drainage holes to prevent root rot.
What is the best time to hang a hummingbird basket?
The ideal time to hang a hummingbird plant depends on your region:
- In northern regions, hang baskets in mid to late spring once temperatures are reliably warm.
- In southern regions with mild winters, baskets can be displayed starting in early spring.
- Time it to correspond with hummingbird migration patterns in your local area.
- Aim to have the baskets up and blooming by early May, when hummingbirds typically arrive.
- Continue displaying the baskets through summer and into early fall.
- Switch out flower varieties throughout the season to provide nectar sources from spring through fall.
How can you care for a hummingbird basket properly?
Here are some tips for caring for hanging baskets to keep plants healthy and flowering:
- Watering – Check soil daily and water when the top inch becomes dry. Early morning is best. Be careful not to overwater.
- Fertilizing – Use a diluted liquid fertilizer every 7-10 days during the growing season.
- Pruning – Deadhead spent blooms to promote new flowers.
- Too much sun – Move plants to dappled shade if leaves appear burned or wilted.
- Not enough sun – Rotate plants if growth becomes leggy from inadequate sunlight.
- Pests and diseases – Inspect plants regularly and treat any issues promptly.
- Dead plants – Replace deceased plants to provide a continuous nectar source.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are specialized nectar feeders, so providing a diverse array of nectar-rich flowers is key to attracting them consistently. Hanging baskets allow you to display a variety of different hummingbird-friendly plants on your porch or patio. Fuchsias, petunias, begonias, impatiens, geraniums, lantana and verbena are all excellent options that will tempt hummingbirds to stop by your yard. With proper care and optimal placement, these beautiful basket plants can provide a reliable food source for hummingbirds from spring through fall.
