Annual Plants for Hummingbirds
Many people enjoy seeing hummingbirds, so
planting something to attract them into your backyard may interest you. Hummingbirds have long, thin bills that are
ideal for probing into trumpet shaped flowers to find the nectar they are
seeking. They also seem to be more attracted to flowers that are red in colour.
At the greenhouse, search for annuals that are high in nectar production such as
fuchsias, nasturtiums, snapdragons, dianthus, foxglove, impatiens, and
petunias.
Annual Plants for Seed Eating Birds
Seed eating birds are very attracted to the seed heads in flowers. Unfortunately, the seeds in the flowers are not available to the birds until the seed head has
dried out. So during the season, either refrain from deadheading or flowers or if you do, save the seed heads, and once they have dried
out, offer them to the birds in a tray feeder. Once fall is here, leave your
flowers and the seed heads standing and you will have the birds visiting even
in colder weather conditions. Annuals you can look for at the greenhouse for attracting seed eating birds include cosmos, cornflower, marigolds, zinnias, black eyed susans, daisies,
impatiens, and sunflower mixes.
Perennial plants to consider
If you prefer not to plant a lot of bedding
plants, you may want to look into perennials. There are a variety of choices
available with high nectar production to attract those hummingbirds. Look for bee balm, phlox, columbines, coral bells, hollyhock, foxglove and lupines.
Vines and shrubs to consider
Even when planting shrubs, vines, and
trees, there are certain varieties you can look for that will attract more
birds. Consider plants with berries such
as dogwood, mountain ash, chokecherry bushes or trees, Russian olives, and
crabapple trees. Also consider shrubs or climbing vines that have a high nectar
production like morning glory or honeysuckle vines (a hummingbird favorite).
