How to Plant a Hummingbird Garden

Hummingbirds are amazing little birds that hover in midair, fly backwards and flap their wings so fast that the wings hum. You can attract these fast-moving little birds to your garden by planting sweet nectar flowers. The birds also need nutrients not found in nectar. They eat insects and spiders for a balanced diet. Here are ways to make the hummer welcome in your garden.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flowering plants

1. 
    
   Scarlet Bee Balm

   Select plants rich in the nectar hummingbirds seek. High on the hummingbird list are plants like bleeding heart, scarlet bee balm, honeysuckle, sage and fuschia. Choose deep tubular red flowers for the best results. Hummers are also attracted to butterfly bush and hibiscus.

2. 
    
   Hovering Hummer

   Divide your garden by visibility. Hummingbirds are strongly territorial. One dominant bird will drive away other hummers. For the most enjoyment and variety of hovering birds, plant flowers in several locations. Plant to the side of the house or around a corner. Plant flowers in the front and back yards so that one little bully hummer cannot see all the flowers at once. They will dive at you and the pets as well as larger birds. Fortunately they don't weigh much and usually make a few passes before flying off in a huff to sit in a tree and watch you.

3. 
    
   Mexican Bush Sage

   Plan a flowering schedule. Ask the advice of your garden center for planting a full growing season. With a succession of spring, summer and autumn blooming plants, hummingbirds will visit most of the year. Avoid using pesticides around the flowers. Some pesticides are harmful to birds. Hummingbirds also need the insects for protein and nutrients in their diets.

4. Pick a viewing location. Plant the flowers where you can enjoy or photograph the hummers. Spots near windows and patios are ideal. Hummingbirds will feed at fuchsias and other deep-throated flowers in a hanging basket or window box above the reach of cats.

5. 
    
   Nesting Hummingbird

   Provide nesting materials. Hummers build nests from willow leaves, stems, twigs, slender foliage and other common garden debris. Hummingbirds prefer to nest 5 to 15 feet off the ground. Trees like magnolias or tulip poplar provide nectar and a nesting place.

6. Fill the water fountain. Hummers feed about 10 percent of the time. They sit or perch most of the day. Hummers will perch at the edge of water fountains. Keep your camera handy.

Resources

• How to Plant Flowers