Tall Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds

Tall Flowers That Hummingbirds Love

Are you looking for a way to attract hummingbirds to your garden? One of the best ways to do so is by planting tall flowers that are known to be favorites of these tiny birds.

Hummingbirds are attracted to bright, colorful flowers that are rich in nectar. They also tend to prefer plants that are taller, as these provide a better vantage point for them to spot potential predators and other threats. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the best tall flowers for attracting hummingbirds, and give you tips on how to grow them successfully in your own garden.

Why Attracting Hummingbirds is Good for Your Garden

Before we dive into specific types of flowers, it's worth taking a moment to talk about why you should consider attracting hummingbirds to your garden in the first place. There are several benefits to having these tiny birds around:

• They are excellent pollinators, helping to ensure that your plants produce healthy fruits and vegetables.
• They can help control pests by eating insects like aphids and spiders.
• They add beauty and interest to your garden, with their fast and agile flight and vibrant colors.

So, if you want to make your garden more productive and attractive, adding some tall flowers that hummingbirds love is a great place to .

The Best Tall Flowers for Attracting Hummingbirds

Here are some of the top choices when it comes to tall flowers that are known to be favorites of hummingbirds:

1. Cardinal Flower

The cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a stunning plant that produces bright red flowers on tall spikes. It grows best in moist soil, making it a great choice for gardens near water features or in boggy areas. The nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, while the plant's height (up to 4 feet) provides a good lookout spot for the birds.

2. Bee Balm

Bee balm (Monarda didyma) is another popular choice for attracting hummingbirds. This plant produces large clusters of tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, and purple, which are rich in nectar. It can grow up to 4 feet tall and prefers full sun to partial shade.

3. Butterfly Weed

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a member of the milkweed family and an important food source for monarch butterflies. Hummingbirds also enjoy its bright orange or yellow flowers, which bloom on tall stalks up to 3 feet high. This plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun.

4. Trumpet Vine

Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is a fast-growing vine that can reach heights of up to 30 feet. It produces clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red or orange, which are irresistible to hummingbirds. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

5. Red Hot Poker

Red hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria) is a striking plant that produces tall spikes of red, orange, and yellow flowers. The flowers are rich in nectar and attract hummingbirds, as well as bees and butterflies. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

6. Scarlet Sage

Scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea) is a compact plant that produces spikes of red, pink, or white flowers. It grows up to 2 feet tall and prefers full sun to partial shade. The nectar-rich flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds and other pollinators.

7. Giant Hyssop

Giant hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a tall plant that can reach heights of up to 5 feet. It produces spikes of lavender-blue flowers that are rich in nectar and attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

8. Gladiolus

Gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.) is a popular cut flower, but it also makes a great addition to the garden. It produces tall spikes of colorful flowers in shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, and white. Hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar-rich flowers, which bloom in mid-summer. Gladiolus prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

9. Columbine

Columbine (Aquilegia spp.) is a delicate-looking plant with intricate flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. It grows up to 3 feet tall and prefers partial shade to full sun. Hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar-rich flowers, which bloom in late spring and early summer.

10. Hibiscus

Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.) is a tropical plant that can be grown as an annual in cooler climates. It produces large, showy flowers in shades of red, pink, and white, which are rich in nectar. Hummingbirds love these flowers, and they can grow up to 6 feet tall in ideal conditions.

Tips for Growing Tall Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds

Now that you know some of the best tall flowers for attracting hummingbirds, here are some tips to help you grow them successfully in your own garden:

1. Choose the Right Location

Most tall flowers that attract hummingbirds prefer full sun to partial shade, so make sure to choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight. You should also consider the soil type and drainage, as many of these plants prefer well-drained soil.

2. Provide Support

Many tall flowers, such as gladiolus and columbine, will need support to keep them from falling over in strong winds or heavy rain. You can use stakes or trellises to prop up the plants and keep them looking their best.

3. Water Regularly

Hummingbirds love flowers that are rich in nectar, but they also need water to survive. Make sure to water your tall flowers regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.

4. Deadhead Regularly

To encourage your tall flowers to produce more blooms and attract more hummingbirds, it's important to deadhead them regularly. This means removing spent flowers before they have a chance to go to seed.

5. Mulch Around Your Plants

Mulching around your tall flowers can help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weeds from sprouting. It can also help regulate soil temperature, which can be particularly beneficial for heat-loving plants like hibiscus.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tall Flowers and Hummingbirds

1. How do I know if a flower is attractive to hummingbirds?

Look for flowers that are brightly colored and tubular in shape, as these are typically the most appealing to hummingbirds. You can also check online or consult with a local nursery to find out which plants are known to attract these birds.

2. Can I plant tall flowers in containers?

Yes, many tall flowers can be grown successfully in containers as long as you choose a large enough pot and provide adequate support for the plant.

3. How often do hummingbirds need to feed?

Hummingbirds have a very high metabolism and need to feed frequently throughout the day. They may visit a particular flower several times an hour, depending on how rich the nectar is.

4. What else can I do to attract hummingbirds to my garden?

In addition to planting tall flowers that hummingbirds love, you can also provide water sources like bird baths or fountains, hang hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water, and create sheltered areas where the birds can rest and hide from predators.

5. Are there any tall flowers that repel hummingbirds?

There are no tall flowers that specifically repel hummingbirds, but some plants may not be attractive to them because of their scent or taste. It's always best to stick with proven favorites like those listed in this article.