Attract Hummingbirds to your Home

Few sights in nature are as captivating as the flash of iridescent feathers and the blur of tiny wings that signal the arrival of a hummingbird. These energetic, jewel-toned birds are a delight to watch and a sign of a healthy, vibrant garden. Attracting hummingbirds takes a mix of the right plants, feeders, and gardening practices—but the results are well worth the effort.

Choose the Right Plants

Hummingbirds are primarily attracted to brightly colored flowers, especially red, orange, and pink, that are rich in nectar. To draw them in naturally, plant a variety of native, tubular-shaped flowers that bloom at different times throughout the growing season.

Some top choices include:

• Bee balm (Monarda)

• Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans)

• Salvia (Salvia spp.)

• Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

• Columbine (Aquilegia)

• Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)

Plant these in clusters to create a bold visual display that will stand out to hummingbirds flying overhead.

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Hang Feeders with Sugar Water

In addition to natural nectar sources, hummingbirds are drawn to sugar water feeders. These feeders can supplement their diet, especially early in the season before flowers bloom.

Here’s a simple nectar recipe:

• Mix 1 part white granulated sugar with 4 parts water

• Boil for 1-2 minutes to dissolve the sugar and kill any bacteria or mold spores

• Cool and fill your feeder; store extra nectar in the refrigerator for up to a week

Important tips:

• Never use honey, artificial sweeteners, or red dye

• Clean feeders every 2-3 days in hot weather (or at least twice a week) to prevent mold and fermentation.

Create a Safe, Welcoming Habitat

Beyond food, hummingbirds need shelter and water. Add these elements to make your garden even more inviting:

• Perches: Small, bare branches give hummingbirds places to rest and survey their territory.

• Water features: A misting fountain or gently dripping water source is ideal. Hummingbirds love to fly through fine mist to bathe.

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Avoid Pesticides and Chemicals

To keep hummingbirds safe, avoid using pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides in your garden. Not only do these chemicals kill the insects that hummingbirds sometimes eat, but they can also be toxic to the birds themselves.

Instead, practice organic gardening and encourage a balanced ecosystem where hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects thrive together.

Be Patient and Observant

It may take some time for hummingbirds to discover your garden, especially if you’re just starting. Keep your feeders full, your flowers blooming, and your space hummingbird-friendly. Once they find your yard, they’re likely to return year after year.

Final Thoughts

Attracting hummingbirds is more than just a hobby—it’s a way to support pollinators and bring a burst of life and color to your outdoor space. With the right mix of flowers, feeders, and habitat, you can turn your garden into a hummingbird haven.