Top 10 Potted Plants That Hummingbirds Like

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As we all know, hummingbirds are a sight to behold. While you can always wait outside with feeders filled with sugary water in your hands, it's much more convenient to plant potted flowers that they love. It’s the perfect way to create a hummingbird habitat in your own backyard! Here's a list of the top 10 potted plants that hummingbirds like.

Potted Plants That Hummingbirds Will Love

First on the list is the beautiful bee balm. Known for its vibrant colors, bee balm can attract hummingbirds from miles away. Another popular choice among gardeners is salvia. With its long-lasting flower spikes and bright red blossoms, hummingbirds can't resist. The brightly colored fuchsia can serve as an attractive addition to any garden space, and hummingbirds will gladly hang out there. Petunias come in different hues and sizes, making them a versatile choice when it comes to pleasing hummingbirds. The same goes for lantanas.

Honeysuckle is not only fragrant but also irresistible to hummingbirds. Columbines can be found in various colors and shapes, making them perfect for creating a hummingbird paradise. Trumpet vine is another must-have in your collection of potted plants suitable for hummingbirds, as its orange-crimson petals attract them instantly. Lastly, bleeding heart is great at welcoming hummingbirds with its vivid colors.

Why Attracting Hummingbirds is Important

Apart from being aesthetically pleasing, hummingbirds provide nature with invaluable services. These tiny birds are essential pollinators, spreading pollen between flowers while flying around looking for nectar. This allows plants to make fruits and seeds, which helps to replenish our food sources in a much more natural way.

They provide essential fertility for crops and plants while also helping to maintain biodiversity by ensuring that many plant species continue to exist. By all accounts, hummingbirds are extremely helpful to have around your outdoor space.

Top 10 Potted Plants That Hummingbirds Like

Bee Balm

The bee balm was mentioned earlier because it's an excellent option as a potted plant to lure hummingbirds. It comes in different shades of red, purple, pink, and white. Not only do their bright colors charm hummingbirds, but they produce nectar-rich flowers with a delightful floral fragrance that attracts these tiny birds.

Salvia

This vibrant potted flower produces blossoms that are perfect for attracting hummingbirds. The unique shape of the flowers makes them challenging for insects to access, making them ideal for hummingbirds.

Fuchsia

These bell-shaped flowers showcase the fuchsia's charm, and hummingbirds flock to them! They can be grown in hanging baskets or pots.

Petunia

Petunias are relatively easy to care for and come in a wide range of colors, giving you plenty of choices to attract hummingbirds to your garden. Both single and double blooms are available in this popular plant category. To keep them blooming, you'll need to deadhead them regularly.

Lantana

Lantanas are known for being one of the most low-maintenance potted plants in the list. These sprawling shrubs produce profuse amounts of small blossoms that are beloved by hummingbirds.

Honeysuckle

Honeysuckles have their unique fragrance when it comes to flowers. Both red and orange types of these lovely flowers will entice hummingbirds into your garden. They also come in yellow, white, pink, and even bicolors.

Columbine

The charming shape of a Columbine's blooms is perfect for luring hummingbirds to your garden. It produces clusters of delicate, cup-shaped flowers in colors such as blue, purple, pink, and white.

Trumpet Vine

Another type of potted plant that hummingbirds love is the trumpet vine. The shape of its startling crimson or orange petals attracts them instantly! They're easy to grow and can thrive in various soils.

Begonia

Begonias are commonly cultivated indoors, and they also make beautiful outdoor potted plants. They offer rainbow-like colors and intricate patterns that are perfect for enticing hummingbirds.

Bleeding Heart

Last but not least, bleeding hearts are excellent at drawing hummingbirds looking for nectar in your garden. This unique flower has heart-shaped foliage and tear-shaped petals that hang delicately from their branches.

Creating a hummingbird-friendly garden with potted plants is an excellent way to bring nature closer to you. The addition of these potted plants can bring hummingbirds within eyesight, where you can watch as they feed on nectar-rich flowers. You'll gain a newfound appreciation for nature's beauty while watching these tiny birds flutter around your garden.

Even with limited outdoor space, anyone can create an environment that attracts hummingbirds by growing potted plants that they love.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding potted plants suitable for hummingbirds:

What type of soil is best for potted plants that hummingbirds like?

Potted plants that hummingbirds like grow best in nutrient-rich soil. Try using organic potting soil to promote healthy growth.

How often do you need to water potted plants to keep them healthy?

Watering potted plants once or twice a week should be sufficient. Always allow the soil to dry out a bit after each watering before watering again.

Do I need to fertilize my potted plants, or will they thrive without it?

Plants will undoubtedly flourish if given regular feedings of fertilizer. However, depending on the soil condition, you may not have to fertilize them much. A monthly application of liquid fertilizer when your plant is flowering usually does the trick.

Can I plant several types of potted plants together to create a hummingbird habitat?

Yes! Planting several kinds of potted plants together in one spot will help to attract even more hummingbirds.

What types of pests are attracted to potted plants that hummingbirds like, and how can I control them?

Keep an eye out for common pests, such as spider mites, scales or aphids, that could harm your plants. Organic insecticides or spraying them down with water and wiping off excess insects using your hands can help combat this. Check the soil regularly for fungal infections, such as powdery mildew, and treat them with a fungicide.

Can I place my potted plants in direct sunlight, or do they need shade?

Hummingbird-friendly plants generally require full sun, so shade is not always necessary. However, the soil must remain adequately hydrated for it to grow.

When is the best time of year to plant potted plants that hummingbirds like?

The best time to plant potted plants that hummingbirds prefer outdoors is during warm weather conditions. Spring and summer are prime time for this. You may also plant them indoors all year round!

Do I need to have a special type of pot or container for my hummingbird-friendly potted plants?

No, just make sure your pots or containers have good drainage holes to avoid waterlogging your plants.

Are there any other types of creatures that might be attracted to my hummingbird-friendly potted plants?

Aside from hummingbirds, butterflies and bees can also be attracted to these potted plants' nectar-rich flowers. They are essential pollinators that help maintain biodiversity.

Can children and pets safely enjoy the beauty of hummingbird-friendly potted plants?

Potted plants that hummingbirds like are safe for both children and pets. However, it is essential to monitor them carefully to ensure they do not accidentally ingest the plants or their flowers.