Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

Hummingbird mint (Agastache) produces aromatic foliage and vibrant blooms that attract hummingbirds, making this perennial popular in sunny gardens and withstanding heat and drought conditions.

Homemade nectar should be prepared by boiling together one part white sugar and four parts water until fully cooled before filling feeders with it. Artificial sweeteners that may harm hummingbirds should not be used.

Nectar

Hummingbirds frequently visit flowers in search of nectar, the sweet liquid produced by nectaries or glands located within flower heads, petals, stems and leaves. Nectar contains a watery solution of sugars including fructose, glucose and sucrose as well as some amino acids, salts, enzymes and essential oils; its exact content depends on plant species as the proportions vary significantly among them; its sweetness comes mainly from sugar content while variations exist due to protein content or other substances sourced by different soil conditions influencing how nectar is harvested.

Hummingbird nectar is a precious commodity because it fuels their intense hovering flight, which expends massive calories. But not all flowers with concentrated nectars attract hummingbirds as much; some species that offer concentrated nectars tend to be less attractive to hummingbirds than ones producing dilute nectars.

However, to provide flowers that attract hummingbirds and fit their long, thin bills is key to their wellbeing. One way of doing this is through cultivating both perennials and annuals: perennials like lilac, azalea and columbine are great choices; you could add color with annuals like fuchsias, salvias petunias or zinnias for added effect.

Hummingbirds play an invaluable role in plant reproduction by pollinating certain flowers with pollen from male parts to female parts, which transfers pollen between them and assists reproduction unknowingly as they fly from flower to flower.

Hummingbird feeders provide a quick and easy way to aid the endangered hummingbird population. Unlike bird feeders that dispense seeds, hummingbird feeders dispense sugar water instead. To achieve optimal results, ensure regular cleaning–every 2-3 days or daily under hot conditions–of your feeder(s). Some feeders feature bee guards which prevent wasps, bees, or hornets from reaching through but still allow the birds to feed through. You could also apply cooking oil or petroleum jelly around its openings or wire to make access more difficult to insects that could get to sugar solution!

Feeder Location

Hummingbirds are valuable pollinators. To help the little creatures flourish, many people set up hummingbird feeders in their yards and gardens; unfortunately, however, the sugary nectar they provide attracts ants and other unwanted pests that could ruin the experience for a lot of us! Some gardeners rely on commercial ant repellants, while others prefer more natural methods of keeping ants away from their feeders. Mint and bay leaves have both proven successful at deterring ants from areas around hummingbird feeders. These plants can be grown in garden beds or containers and are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9. To keep ants away, position mint plants upwind of hummingbird feeders so their scent travels on the wind to attract birds. Ants often congregate around this area.

Hummingbird mint’s sweet-scented leaves not only deter ants but also fleas and mice. This drought-tolerant plant requires no fertilizer but may benefit from compost or mulch added to the soil in order to retain moisture levels and keep its leaves looking nicer longer. As some regions consider hummingbird mint an invasive species, it may be wise to cultivate it in containers or separate flower beds so as to not take over other garden plants.

Hummingbird mint’s tall spikes become covered in tiny blooms during summer, producing an aromatic fragrance similar to anise or licorice. Pollinators flock to this easy-care perennial in sunny spots; pinch new stems as needed or remove dead flower stalks to keep its size manageable if it becomes overgrown. USDA Hardiness Zone 4-10 plants easily self-sow themselves while those living in colder regions will find that it readily self-sows itself.

If you are having difficulty keeping ants away from a hummingbird feeder, regular movement and cleaning of its ports will do wonders to deter insects from approaching its sweet nectar source. Placing it under shaded conditions over an ant moat may further restrict their access to it.

Smell

Hummingbirds are attracted to many flowering plants that produce nectar for food, including columbines, day lilies, hollyhocks, bee balm, fuchsia lilyturf phlox salvia and zinnias – these will all attract them if your garden features enough varieties! As more varieties bloom there will be less need for feeders.

Ants are among the most frequent visitors to hummingbird feeders and they can quickly clog up sweet fluid within. Too many ants at once will drive off any visiting hummers from using your feeder; fortunately there are ways you can keep them away without harming hummingbirds themselves.

One effective method for deterring ants is hanging your hummingbird feeder over water, with an ant moat (a small basin that holds water) for added effect. Another simple approach would be hanging it from fishing line, making it harder for ants to climb onto. You might also try applying peppermint oil or similar repellents directly onto its exterior surface to deter them further.

Another effective strategy for deterring ants is to move the feeder often, perhaps every few weeks or so. This will disorient scent trails that ants leave behind for communication within their colonies and keep it clean as well as replace any parts that may crack or leak with time.

Bees and wasps can also be drawn to hummingbird feeders, which can become problematic as they compete for nectar and potentially pollute it. One way of controlling bees and wasps at hummingbird feeders is placing them in the shade; bees tend to be less attracted to an ultrasweet mix containing five parts sugar to one part water than their hummingbird counterparts so alternative solutions for bee feeding may work better (e.g. using less syrupy solutions for bees).