¿Busca mejorar la estética de su jardín mientras atrae a los polinizadores más hermosos de la naturaleza? ¡Crear un patio trasero apto para colibríes es el camino a seguir! Los colibríes comienzan a aparecer en nuestros jardines desde marzo. El resto llega a las cordilleras del norte de América del Norte a fines de abril y principios de mayo. Los colibríes son más conocidos por la velocidad de sus alas, su resistencia y su coloración atractiva. Además, tienen excelentes recuerdos del abastecimiento de alimentos anterior. Esto significa que una vez que atraiga colibríes a su jardín con éxito, es probable que regresen. Un comedero para colibríes tradicional puede ser una gran herramienta cuando el espacio en el patio trasero es un problema. Sin embargo, la mejor manera de mantener su jardín saludable es atrayendo colibríes usando estas plantas con flores de colores brillantes y ricas en néctar.
1. Bálsamos de abeja
Los bálsamos de abeja son nativos de América del Norte y crecen mejor en las zonas de rusticidad de plantas USDA cuatro a nueve. Florecen en julio y continúan durante todo el verano. Los colibríes se sienten más atraídos por el bálsamo de abeja escarlata, ya que producen las flores de color rojo brillante y el dulce néctar que más les gusta a estas aves. Los bálsamos de abeja crecen bien a pleno sol o sombra parcial, alcanzando alturas de hasta cuatro pies de altura. Puede fomentar una segunda floración mediante el despuntado durante toda la temporada. La primera planta perenne de nuestra lista, los bálsamos de abeja seguirán atrayendo a sus colibríes temporada tras temporada. Los bálsamos de abeja no solo son excelentes para los colibríes, sino que también puedes usar sus hojas en tés, así como un antiséptico tópico natural.
2. Lupinos
Lupinus, comúnmente conocido como "lupinos", atrae a los colibríes con sus flores de forma tubular y la multitud de colores. Los altramuces son otra gran planta perenne con más de 199 especies. Florecen a través de las zonas cuatro a ocho, donde hay una exposición total al sol y un suelo con buen drenaje. Lupines will attract hummingbirds in early spring before other flowers have emerged and insect food sourcing is scarce. They are deer-resistant when well established, and will grow up to three feet tall.
3. Columbines
Columbines are another easy-to-grow perennial plant. They produce what looks like a flower within a flower. There are approximately 60 to 70 species, which grow well in zones three to eight. Columbines thrive when planted in well-draining soil under full sunlight to partial shade. The flowers of a columbine range in color from light pastels to vibrant reds. These alluring blooms will attract hummingbirds as well as butterflies throughout the spring and into the summer. Behold a beautiful display of some of nature’s most attractive creatures!
4. Trumpet Honeysuckle
Another tubular-shaped flowering plant sure to attract hummingbirds is the trumpet honeysuckle. This perennial will add distinct curb appeal to your garden. It is a climber vine that clings by use of its aerial roots to heights up to twenty feet. It is native to North America, thriving in zones five to nine. Trumpet honeysuckles will bloom during late spring in moist, yet well-drained soil, with access to full sunlight. Hummingbirds will adore the ideal shaped, reddish-orange blooms that this beautiful perennial offers!
5. Catmint
While catnip has a somewhat weedy appearance, catmint has a lovely delicate texture making it a great addition to your perennial flower beds. Straying from the typical red color known for attracting hummingbirds, catmint, especially Siberian catmint, produces lavender-blue flowers that hummingbirds go crazy for! This hardy perennial grows in full sun or partial shade, with adaptivity to both dry and moist locations. Thus catmint is a great, easy-to-grow option for your hummingbird oasis!
6. Hostas
Hostas are the last perennial on this list and may be the hardiest of the bunch. These low-maintenance flowering plants are found in gardens from Canada down to northern Florida. Hostas are ideal for their ability to grow in shade; a necessary feature when looking to create a hummingbird-friendly environment. This beautiful foliage grows tubular-shaped, nectar-rich flowers that hummingbirds love. They are also great to use as greenery and filler in your garden. Depending on the variety, hostas bloom for approximately three weeks between May and September with light purple, pink, blue, or red flowers.
7. Petunias
On to the annuals! If you are interested in diversifying your garden year to year, a great plant option for attracting hummingbirds are petunias. These flowering plants boast a multitude of colors and hybrids. Petunias bloom from spring until the first frost and are a favorite amongst gardeners as an addition to flower beds or hanging baskets. Hummingbirds will find your petunias as they journey north for mating season. The flower’s nectar provides these energetic birds with the energy needed to continue on their course.
8. Cleomes
Cleomes, commonly referred to as “spider flowers,” are known for their long petals and spidery stamens. They bloom in the summertime, providing hummingbirds with a great opportunity to collect nectar as they journey south. Cleomes are deer and rabbit resistant; a great feature when you’re trying to establish a backyard garden close to the woods! In addition to attracting hummingbirds, cleomes also attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects. The unique white, pink, lavender, and rose colored flowers of a cleome look rather distinguished when used in floral arrangements!
9. Impatiens
Impatiens are a great addition to the shadier parts of your yard, where other flowering plants may find it hard to flourish. The unique way in which they shoot their seeds from their pods has garnered them the name, “touch-me-nots.” These plants produce flowers in a rainbow of hues, from pastels to vibrant colors, sought after by hummingbirds in the spring and summertime. Impatiens grow easily from seed if sown early to mid-February. There are more than one thousand species of impatiens and they are found all over the Northern Hemisphere as well as the tropics.
10. Morning Glory
If you are looking to enjoy a hummingbird show with your morning coffee, then planting some morning glory is key! These gorgeous blue or purple flowers will attract hummers first thing in the morning while their blooms are open. Their trumpet-shaped, nectar-filled flowers will attract not only hummingbirds but a multitude of other pollinators as well. Morning glory can be a great addition to your backyard space near decks, fences, and trellises as their vines grow quickly. They can also be used to cover up ugly spaces in your garden, or even as a natural privacy screen.
To Sum It Up
Regardless of the type of flowering plant you use, creating a friendly environment for hummingbirds is a great way to keep your garden evolving. Hummingbirds make a beautiful spectacle of pollination. It is no wonder we want to attract and keep them coming back year after year. To summarize, choose brightly colored, tubular-shaped flowering plants. It is important to note that hummingbirds do need some shade and enough space between plants to allow them to hover. By following these general rules and choosing any plant from this list, you’re well on your way to creating a hummingbird haven right in your own backyard!